The search engine giant Google is celebrating Nowruz 2025 with a special Doodle created by guest artist Pendar Yousefi, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Persian New Year. The word "Nowruz" means "New Day" in Persian. This day marks the beginning of the new year in the Parsi calendar.
The festival occurs at the same time as the spring season arrives, on March 20, 2025, at 5:01 a.m. EST (2:31 p.m. IST). Celebrated for more than 3,000 years, Nowruz has its roots in Zoroastrian tradition and symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Nowruz: A UNESCO-Recognised Tradition
In 2010, UNESCO added Nowruz to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The United Nations designates March 21 as International Nowruz Day.
More than 300 million people from Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, Turkey, and South Asia celebrate Nowruz.
Millions of people observe the festival with family gatherings, cultural events, and symbolic traditions.
Nowruz 2025: Major Traditions and Celebrations
At the heart of Nowruz traditions is the Haft-Sin table, which consists of seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter 'Sin':
Sabzeh (Sprouts) – Symbolizes rebirth and renewal.
Samanu (Wheat Pudding) – Represents strength and prosperity.
Senjed (Dried Oleaster Fruit) – Symbolizes love and wisdom.
Seer (Garlic) – Represents health and protection.
Seeb (Apple) – Symbolizes beauty and vitality.
Serkeh (Vinegar) – Represents patience and wisdom.
Sumac (Berry Spice) – Represents the color of sunrise and a new beginning.
Spring Cleaning and Bonfire Jumping
In preparation for Nowruz, families participate in Khaneh Tekani (house cleaning) to clear negative energy and welcome fresh beginnings. Another important tradition is Chaharshanbe Suri, observed on the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People jump over bonfires while chanting: "Jardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye toh az man" ("My paleness to you, your redness to me"), symbolizing the shedding of last year's troubles and the embrace of new energy.
Sizdah Bedar – The 13th Day of Nowruz
The Nowruz festival lasts 13 days and culminates in Sizdah Bedar, when families go on picnics and release sabzeh (sprouts) into flowing water to ward off misfortune.
Traditional Nowruz Cuisine
Nowruz celebrations include special feasts featuring traditional Persian dishes such as:
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi – Herb-infused rice with fish.Kuku Sabzi – An aromatic herb frittata.Ash Reshteh – A hearty noodle soup symbolizing luck and prosperity.Google’s Nowruz 2025 doodle beautifully captures the essence of the Persian New Year, reflecting the rich history, traditions, and cultural significance of the festival.