Nowruz (Novruz, Nawruz, etc.) is from the Persian meaning "The New Day" and marks the New Year. This holiday falls to the first day of the spring or Equinox, and usuall celebrates in March 20-21 depending upon the country and region.
From the very morning the shop owners begin to sell the gifts and souvenirs. This year the main gift was colorful skullcaps.
Having been the very local at present this holiday is widely celebrated in many countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, etc. Even it is celebrated in countries far from the Islam religion though Nowruz has no relations with islam. Nowrus is celebrated by peple from various ethis communities and religious for thousands yers. It is a secular holiday for most celebrants that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths but remains a holy day for Zoroastrians.
In 2009 the UNESCO had oficially registered Nowruz in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In 2010 the UN General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nowruz and declared it as a Spring Festival.
In Azerbaijann the holiday of Nowruz is one of the most popular holidays. It is celebrated over the cuntry with songs, dances, traditional music, festivals, fairs, and the bonfires made every Tuesday during four weeks before the holiday starts. Every Tuesday simbolizes a nature element: Water, Fire, Air, Soil. Also there is a tradition to knock the door and put a cap for getting the traditional sweets, candies and fruits.
In Baku the holiday of Nowruz is traditionally celebrates in "Icherishekher" - the Old Town. It is the place close to sea and surrounded by old wall. In Old Town there is a lot of gift shops, old houses, and the main symbol - the Maiden Tower (Giz Galasi).
From the very morning the shop owners begin to sell the gifts and souvenirs. This year the main gift was colorful skullcaps.
