LETTERS: March 21st is called the Day of Nowruz.
It is also spelled as Norouz, Norooz, Navruz, Nauryz in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other neighbouring countries in Central Asia, West Asia and the Caucasus.
It marks the end of the winter and beginning of a new season.
"Nowruz" means New Day which is the first day of spring and is held in rememberance of the nature of transformation and its huge impact on human life.
Rebirth of nature happens in the spring season and it creates a new beginning for humankind, such is the memorable inspiration of Nowruz.
Nowruz is celebrated in Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and many countries in the region. More than 300 million people all over the world have been celebrating Nowruz for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.
It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox (the start of spring in the northern hemisphere), which usually occurs on March 21.
The United Nations officially recognised the "International Day of Nowruz" with the adoption of Resolution 64/253 by the UN General Assembly in February 2010.
António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, in his message on Nowruz said: "As the world comes together to defeat Covid-19, Nowruz serves as an inspiration to recover and rebuild in a more just and durable way, in harmony with nature."
Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighbourhood.
Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilisations of the East and West and which influenced those civilisations through common human values and moralities.
The people celebrating Nowruz start by preparing with a major spring-cleaning of their houses, the purchase of new clothes to wear for the New Year as well as flowers and sweets.
During the Nowruz holidays, people are expected to make short visits to the homes of families, friends and neighbours.
Typically, young people will visit their elders first, and the elders return their visit later. Visitors are offered tea, pastries, cookies, fresh and dried fruits, mixed nuts or other snacks.
In Iran and Tajikistan, on the first day of Nowruz, family members gather around the table, with seven items placed on the table and await the exact moment of the arrival of spring.
The seven items start with the letter "s" (in the Persian language).
These items are: 1. Sabzeh (grass) symbolising rebirth; 2. Serkeh (vinegar) symbolising age and patience; 3. Senjed (oleaster) symbolising love; 4. Sir (Garlic) symbolising medicine; 5. Sib (Apple) symbolising beauty and health; 6. Somaq (sumac powder) symbolising the colour of sunrise and 7. Samanu (samanoo) symbolising affluence.
In Uzbekistan, Samanu is one of the most common foods of Nowruz.
This food is prepared by using wheat germ. Cooking this food is associated with certain rituals. Women and girls cook Samanu in groups and sometimes during the night, and when cooking it, they sing memorable songs.
In general, Nowruz food is common in every region where Nowruz is celebrated and each area has its own food and sweets.
In conclusion; Nowruz belongs to humanity for having a better world with health, happiness and harmony. Nowruz Mubarak.
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times