Norouz 2026—marking the year 1405 in the Persian calendar—carries a special meaning. This year for Iranians, Norouz is more than the arrival of spring; it is a turning point, a moment to close one chapter and begin another. Its very name, Norouz, means “new day,” a reminder of renewal, resilience, and hope.

Traditionally, Norouz is one of the world’s oldest continuously celebrated holidays. Its roots reach back over three millennia to ancient Iran, where it was closely connected to Zoroastrian beliefs and the celebration of the vernal equinox—the moment when nature awakens and light overtakes darkness. Historical evidence suggests that Norouz was celebrated during the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE), when representatives from across the empire gathered at Persepolis to present gifts and mark the new year.

The spirit of Norouz lives on through cherished traditions. Festivities begin with Chaharshanbe Suri, on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, when people light bonfires and leap over the flames, symbolically leaving behind hardship and welcoming health and warmth. Homes are carefully cleaned in a ritual of renewal, and families prepare the Haft-Seen table, arranging seven symbolic items that begin with the Persian letter “S,” each representing life, growth, and prosperity.

At the moment of the equinox, families gather around the Haft-Seen, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts, and sharing sweets, fruit, and tea. The celebrations continue with visits to relatives and friends and conclude on the thirteenth day, Sizdah Bedar, when families spend the day outdoors, enjoying nature with games, music, and laughter.

This year, however, the spirit of celebration is tempered by sorrow. Many Iranians are mourning losses, and communities around the world stand in solidarity with those affected. Iran has endured one of the most difficult periods in its recent history.

And yet, the essence of Norouz remains unchanged. It is a quiet but powerful reminder that renewal follows hardship. On March 20, at the exact moment of the spring equinox, Iranians around the world will once again gather at their Haft-Seen tables—honoring tradition, remembering what has been lost, and welcoming the new year with resilience and renewed hope.

Yaldā Night – A Timeless Tradition of Warmth and Light

Derived from the Syrianic word for “birth,” Yaldā (یلدا) is a celebration of renewal and hope. This enchanting night marks the winter solstice—the longest and darkest night of the year—falling on December 20th or 21st.

What Happens on Yaldā Night?

• Savor the Flavors of Tradition: Indulge in seasonal fruits like pomegranates and watermelons, symbolizing life and renewal.
• Dive into Timeless Literature: Share poetry from Hafez or epics from the Shahnameh, fostering reflection and connection.
• Cherish the Company of Loved Ones: Spend the evening sharing laughter, stories, and memories until well past midnight.
  Yaldā Night isn’t just an evening—it’s an experience that bridges the past and present, lighting the way for brighter days ahead.

Rooted in ancient Iranian traditions, Yaldā Night symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and celebrates the birth of Mithra, the Sun God. Families and friends gather to welcome the new season with warmth, joy, and togetherness.

April 4 was the Remembrance Day of Parvin E’tesami. Parvin is known as “The most famous” 20th Century Iranian female poet (1907–1941).

She grew up in an intellectual environment, under supervision of her father Yusuf Etesami who had a literary background. Women’s lives were very restricted during that time in Iran, and poetry was the only art in which a woman could express her thoughts and feelings. In such an atmosphere, Etesami and other early modern women writers in Iran provided a strong feminist claim for women’s rights.

In one of her poems, “A Twig of a Wish”, she asserts women’s importance by pointing out that women are in charge of nurturing and educating all children (both male and female), they should have greater respect and an equal chance for education as men.
She was a member of the Kanoun-e-Banovan and supported the Kashf-e hijab reform against compulsory hijab (veiling).

Her father died in 1938, and she died only three years later of Typhoid fever. She was buried near her father in Qom, near the Masumeh shrine.

Parvin Etesami’s house became an Iranian national heritage site on October 19, 2006.