Iranians prepare for nowruz amid fear and conflict
As the Iranian solar calendar marks its first day on March 20, millions are preparing to celebrate Nowruz under a shadow of war that has replaced traditional excitement with anxiety. While normally associated with family renewal and cleaning homes before the festival's arrival at dawn during the vernal equinox, this year many citizens express little enthusiasm due to ongoing conflict in their region.
Key Points
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1Iranians are celebrating the Persian New Year for now during wartime conditions not seen since the 1980s.
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2The festival coincides with the spring equinox and traditionally symbolizes renewal, family gatherings, and fresh beginnings in Iran's solar calendar.
Developments
Iranians are celebrating Nowruz for the first time in decades amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks on their country, which began a full-scale war following Iraq's invasion during this period. Despite heavy bombardment throughout Friday at spring equinox marking new year start 18:15 local Time (GMT), residents gathered to exchange greetings while some air defense batteries fired intermittently for several minutes after the moment of New Year in apparent celebratory move
Nowruz marks the spring equinox (March 21 this year) as a two-week Iranian New Year festival rooted in Zoroastrianism, which has spread across Greater Iran and recognized by UNESCO since its establishment during Sassanian times. This celebration is currently taking place under emotionally charged conditions within cities of Iran that are facing bombardment from Israel and the United States following February 28 attacks resulting in nearly 1,500 deaths.
Millions across Iran are preparing for Nowruz amidst ongoing US and Israeli attacks that have caused thousands to die or become wounded while destroying much national infrastructure. While many citizens feel despondent due to fear of the regime's violence and an inability to celebrate with family, others remain hopeful as they attribute improved weather conditions—such as lifted smog—to a sense of impending freedom from war.