Today, one of the most anticipated and beloved holidays is taking place in our country – Novruz Bayram. Astronomical spring in Azerbaijan will begin on March 20 at 18:45:53 Baku time, coinciding with the day of the spring equinox. At this moment, the Sun transitions from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, marking the start of spring in our region.

The duration of the spring season will be 92 days 17 hours 38 minutes 28 seconds. The celebration of Novruz symbolizes the arrival of the first day of spring. This holiday was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 30, 2009.

The roots of Novruz go back to ancient times. Many peoples associated the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature with the beginning of the new year, which served as a reason for organizing public festivities. According to ancient beliefs, the world consists of four elements: water, fire, earth, and air. Therefore, the celebration of Novruz is preceded by four Tuesdays, known as Chershenbe, each symbolizing one of these elements.

Novruz Bayram has its own unique traditions. On this day, it is customary to:

  • jump over a bonfire,
  • prepare semeni (sprouted wheat),
  • decorate the khoncha,
  • paint eggs,
  • play various games, and
  • visit each other.

Thus, Novruz Bayram serves not only as a celebration but also as an important cultural event that unites people and marks the arrival of spring.