Nowruz, the Iranian New Year marking the arrival of spring and rebirth, is being observed with mixed emotions this year. While traditionally a joyous holiday, many in the Iranian diaspora are balancing celebration with anxiety and grief amid ongoing conflict.
Iranians both inside the country and abroad are grappling with war, repression, and economic hardship as they begin the new year. Despite these challenges, many are holding fast to ancient traditions.
In Tehran, residents exchanged new year’s wishes even as attacks continued through the spring equinox. Others recently gathered to celebrate the end of Ramadan, despite the risk of air strikes and bombardments.
Many Iranians living outside the country are approaching the Persian new year with grief and fear, feeling cut off from loved ones inside Iran due to the conflict with the U.S. and Israel.