6 Facts About Nowruz Festival

When an email landed on my inbox inviting me for a bloggers meet for Nowruz Festival, I was completely dumbfounded. I didn't know what Nowruz is so I made a quick reading about the subject.

Words like Persian calendar, Vernal Equinox and Zoroastrianism came flashing back to me, it was from my history teacher in high school that I have heard about all these words before when we were studying Persian history. I knew it but I must have stored it in the deepest chambers of my cerebrum. (d'oh! face palm-please don't hate me Ma'am Fabian, I love World History I promise)

So for the sake of refreshing my memories and for those who don't know what Nowruz is, here are the first six facts you should know about the Persian Spring Festival and how important it is in human history.

1. Nowruz means (The) New Day), Nowruz is the name of the Iranian New Year

2. It marks the first day of spring (vernal equinox) on the Persian calendar 

3. Nowruz usually occurs on the 21st of March of each year however it is a festival that is celebrated for 13 to 15 days in Iran.

4. It is believed to be invented by Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism, a religion that emphasizes broad concepts such as the corresponding work of good and evil in the world, and the connection of humans to nature.

5. Nowruz is officially registered on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The UN's General Assembly in 2010 recognized the International Day of Nowruz, describing it as a spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years. 

6. Food is always a part of New Year celebrations and just like any other New Year, there are certain Nowruz foods that Persians serve for good luck.

Dolme Barg E Mo is one. Grape leaves stuffed with rice, fresh herbs and lentils

Sabzi Polow ba Mahi. It is saffron rice tinted with green herbs accompanied by marinated fried hammour fish fillet.

Reshteh Polo. Aromatic noodle dish layered with with tender lamb meat. Traditionally served in Iranian homes on the night before the Spring Festival

 In case you are looking for a place to dine and celebrate Nowruz with family or friends, Shayan Persian Restaurant at Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana has prepared a special Nowruz Set Menu for you reasonably priced at AED 110/person. Beautiful dishes with bold flavors from Nowruz Set Menu available from the 15-30 March 2015.

Also served with a sabzi platter, soup and of course a very pretty dessert. Golabi Zaferani Ba Bastani. Poached saffron pears served with rosewater-pistachio ice cream

Wishing that the Nowruz brings lots of warmth and strengths the bond between your family members! 

Sad Saal Be In Saal-Ha!

**My son was not feeling well and did not join us for dinner, he just wanted to go to sleep. We head home after this wonderful dinner to nurse the young one.