People across Iran mark ancient festival of nature, Nature Day revives spiritual values

People across Iran mark ancient festival of nature, Nature Day revives spiritual values

Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic recommended believers to focus on spiritual transformation and purification during the days of spring and Nowruz. Imam Khomeini revived divine values at a very sensitive juncture of history when the entire world had been plunged into moral and social decline.

Imam Khomeini during Nowruz always asked people to remember those those who are needy and render sacrifices for society.

This comes as Iranian people are now celebrating Sizdah Bedar, the traditional Persian festival of nature, by spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Sizdah Bedar marks the end of the two-week Persian New Year (Nowruz) Spring holidays and has deep roots in Iranian history.

Nowruz itself has been known for over 3,000 years and is celebrated worldwide, not only by the Iranians, but also by other groups and ethnic communities living in Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea region, and the Balkans.

Nowruz marks the first day of Farvardin and is the day of the vernal equinox marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

It usually falls on March 21. Families gather together on this day to observe rituals and celebrate.

The ancient Iranian festival this year is being held on Monday, which this year marks the 13th day of Farvardin the first month on the Persian calendar.

The festivities include picnicking outdoors in parks, valleys, mountainsides, or the countryside.

Sizdah Bedar gives Iranians a chance to play outdoor games, have special food, and enjoy the fresh springtime air. It is also referred to as Nature’s Day.

Ash-e reshteh, a popular Iranian stew made of noodles, greens and beans, and covered with curd, in addition to lettuce with sekanjabin, a traditional Iranian syrup made of honey and vinegar, are eaten by many people on this day.

 

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