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Twenty-first of March is not simply another day for Iranians. It marks the first day of the new Iranian year known as Now-rooz, which, since ancient times, has been celebrated as the greatest national festival in Iran.
Now-rooz starts at the spring equinox when the sun enters the sign of Aries. It is also the time when day and night are of equal length. In Farsi, the language Iranians speak, "Now" means "New" and "Rooz" means "Day", therefore, Now-rooz literally means New Day. Occurring exactly at the beginning of spring, when the nature reawakens, it signifies rebirth and has always been associated with popular celebrations.
The genesis of Now-rooz is unknown, but it goes back to several thousand years ago and symbolizes the idea of the triumph of good over evil.
As suggested in an ancient Persian epic, written about one thousand years ago, Now-rooz emerged under the reign of King Jamshid after he defeated divs or evil demons, seized their treasures and brought welfare and prosperity to his people. Religiously, Now-rooz symbolizes the day of resurrection representing God's power in bringing life to the dead.
On the occasion of the arrival of Now-rooz, NPC News Bulletin wishes to extend its felicitations to all Iranians and other nationals who celebrate the festival as well as to those who care about Mother Nature. May the New Year bring happiness and prosperity to mankind.
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