Nowruz Traditions from Across Asia

Explore and celebrate Nowruz traditions from across Asia in this showcase featuring displays of art, craft, food, decor, and other meaningful objects. Embassies and DC-based cultural institutions join us for a cherished cultural tradition shared by communities around the world. This event is part of the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 celebrations.

Nowruz, the Persian word for “new day,” marks the vernal equinox and the first day of spring. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, the religion of Iran before the advent of Islam, Nowruz was celebrated as early as three thousand years ago. Today, Nowruz is celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world, from Asia to the United States.

Participating partners:

Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United States
Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United States
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the United States
Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States

Image by Cory Grace, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution

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