Source: Huff Post, by Homa Sabet Tawangar.
Nowruz is the primary holiday for Persians, and it is the only holiday celebrated by all Persians, of every religious background, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Baha’i or of no religion. It is the focal point of the year for Iranians, as well as a cultural holiday in India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The closest comparison I can think of is Thanksgiving in the United States, where everyone joins in regardless of affiliation, a greater ideal unites across ideological lines and families spend quality time together. But multiply the food, festivity, family and tradition of Thanksgiving times 1,000 for a sense of Nowruz.
Categories: Asia, Celebrations