Nowruz 2026 observed in Iran amid fourth week of Iran-Israel-US war

Key facts

• Nowruz, the Persian New Year rooted in Zoroastrianism, marks the spring equinox and was celebrated on 21 March 2026.
• United Nations (UN) recognises 21 March as International Nowruz Day and UNESCO lists Nowruz as intangible cultural heritage.
• The Haft-Seen table displays seven items beginning with Persian letter 'S': sabzeh, seeb, serkeh, samanu, senjed, sekkeh, seer.
• Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire-jumping purification rite, is observed on the eve of Nowruz.
• In 2026 the Iran-Israel-US war entered its fourth week, killing thousands including civilians and wrecking infrastructure.
• Nowruz 2026 coincided with the closing days of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, adding complexity to state and private observances.