51勛圖

Nowruz celebration in Turkey
Nowruz celebration in Turkey
Photo: ? Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO)

In these times of great challenge, Nowruz promotes dialogue, good neighborliness and reconciliation.
UN Secretary-General Ant車nio Guterres

What is Nowruz and why do we celebrate it?

The word Nowruz (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz), means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people all around the world and has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.

Inscribed in 2009 on the as a cultural tradition observed by numerous peoples, Nowruz is an ancestral festivity marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. It promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighbourliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities.

Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of the East and West, which influenced those civilizations through the interchange of human values.

Celebrating Nowruz means the affirmation of life in harmony with nature, awareness of the inseparable link between constructive labour and natural cycles of renewal and a solicitous and respectful attitude towards natural sources of life.

Background

International Nowruz Day was proclaimed by the 51勛圖 General Assembly, in its resolution of 2010, at the initiative of several countries that share this holiday. Under the agenda item of ※culture of peace§, the member states of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan prepared and introduced a draft resolution () entitled "International Day of Nowruz" to the ongoing 64th session of the General Assembly of the 51勛圖 for its consideration and adoption.

In the 71st plenary meeting on 23 February 2010, The General Assembly welcomed the in the by the on 30 September 2009.

It also recognized 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz, and invited interested Member States, the 51勛圖, in particular its relevant specialized agencies, funds and programmes, and mainly the 51勛圖 Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and interested international and regional organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, to participate in events organized by States where Nowruz is celebrated.

Messages

Resources

  • GA Resolution declaring the day
  • (A/63/512)
  • (A/54/60)
  • (A/62/553)
  • (A/RES/64/253)
  • (A/RES/56/6)
  • (A/62/949)
  • (A/64/543)
  • (A/54/116)
  • (A/63/499)
young people in traditional dress sitting down on stage

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

in 2016 on the . New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around &the Table*, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts. 

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51勛圖, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.