TEHRAN - Indian ambassador to Iran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, has admired Nowruz, the venerable Persian New Year celebration, as one of the most significant festivities worldwide.

On Tuesday, Shresth emphasized the profound importance of Nowruz to the Persian-speaking populace of India, remarking that the festival holds a special place in their hearts, underscoring the deep cultural connections between Iran and India, IRIB reported.

“Among the Persian-speaking people of India, Nowruz is a cherished celebration,” the envoy said, affirming the festival's enduring appeal and its ability to bridge cultural divides.

Nowruz, originating from Iran, has transcended borders to become a cherished global tradition. And in India, the arrival of the new year is celebrated with joyous festivities, he said.

Celebrated for millennia, the ancient festivity marks the beginning of spring and is observed by millions of people around the world, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. Nowruz, held annually on March 21st, heralds the New Year and the rejuvenation of nature. Across various nations, this joyous occasion fosters peace, prosperity, and unity among communities, acknowledging the significance of our diverse identities.

The term "Nowruz" originates from Persian, combining "no" meaning "new" and "rouz" meaning "day," symbolizing new beginnings. Celebrants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds come together, attributing profound spiritual meaning to the resurgence of spring, signifying the triumph of good over evil and joy over sorrow.

Nowruz embraces new social, religious, and cultural influences while retaining unifying elements across different regions. Pre-festival rituals like leaping over fires and streams are common, along with the replenishment of water supplies on the last Wednesday of the year in many households.

Recognizing its cultural significance, Nowruz was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, while the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st as International Nowruz Day in 2010.

AM