Google is celebrating Nowruz 2025 with a vibrant Doodle illustrated by guest artist Pendar Yousefi, marking the arrival of the Persian New Year on March 20, 2025, precisely at 5:01 AM EST (2:31 PM IST), coinciding with the spring equinox. Nowruz, meaning "new day" in Persian, carries a rich historical legacy of over 3,000 years, deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism and ancient Persian culture. It symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Celebrated by around 300 million people across Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, Turkey, and parts of South Asia, Nowruz is a time for new beginnings, family gatherings, and cultural festivities. According to Google, central to Nowruz traditions is the haft-sin table, which features a beautiful display of seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter 'sin.' These items include sprouts representing rebirth, sweet wheat pudding symbolizing strength, olives signifying love, berries reflecting the sunrise, vinegar for patience, apples for beauty, and garlic for health.
In preparation for Nowruz, families partake in a tradition known as Khaneh Tekani, or house cleaning, to purify their homes and spirits for the new year. The last Wednesday before Nowruz is marked with Chaharshanbe Suri, where people jump over bonfires while chanting phrases that echo sentiments of renewal and vitality. This fire-jumping ritual embodies the purification of body and soul, as participants exchange good wishes embodied in phrases like "My paleness to you, your redness to me." It’s a practice filled with symbolism that prepares the community for a fresh start.
Nowruz is not just celebrated for a day; it extends over 13 days, culminating in the outdoor festivities of Sizdah Bedar. On this day, families venture into nature, enjoy picnics, and release their Sabzeh—symbolic sprouts—into running water, signifying the cleansing of negative energies and inviting good luck for the new year. Traditional dishes like Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi, herbed rice with fish, and Kuku Sabzi, an herb frittata, are central to celebratory meals.
The richness of Nowruz is exemplified in the Haft-Sīn table, which offers a feast for the senses while encapsulating the festival's spirit of hope and renewal. As families set up their tables with the seven items, they also include decorated eggs, mirrors, goldfish, and candles—each selected to amplify positivity and illumination for the upcoming year. The Haft-Sīn not only reflects abundance and prosperity, but also stands as a centerpiece of the community's shared heritage and collective aspirations.
In an increasingly interconnected world, Nowruz serves as a reminder of the beauty of cultural diversities, building bridges between varying communities. It is a time to set aside differences and come together, showcasing unity and solidarity amidst a backdrop of spring's blossoming beauty. The festival encourages everyone to reflect, to dream big, and to embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Throughout its history, Nowruz has evolved into a symbol of renewal, inviting individuals to shed past burdens and celebrate life’s vibrancy. With its festive elements and communal gatherings, Nowruz highlights harmony, mutual respect, and kindness—values that resonate strongly with its participants.
As the world joins in celebrating Nowruz 2025, artists like Pendar Yousefi play a significant role in keeping the festival's spirit alive, bridging modernity with tradition through their creative expressions. Yousefi, who is also a UX designer at Google Translate, explains that his work focuses on breaking language barriers and fostering inclusive digital experiences. His passion for illustration and storytelling enriches the celebrations and connects the diaspora with their cultural roots.
This year, as families share food, laughter, and gifts, they also reflect on the past—the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their journeys. The sentiment of hope that accompanies Nowruz is palpable, as it inspires communities to embrace the future with optimism. It’s about nurturing love for oneself, for families, and for the world, and it’s in those sentiments that the essence of Nowruz shines brightest.
Happy Nowruz 2025! As millions around the globe come together to celebrate this cherished tradition, it is clear that Nowruz not only marks the new year but also signifies the shared human experience, illustrating how cultural observances can unite us all in spirit and purpose.
