Iranians Prepare for Nowruz Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri Mar 20 2026 02:18:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As Nowruz approaches, Iranians face a somber celebration in the shadow of war, with preparations and traditions altered by the ongoing conflict that has taken a significant toll on the population.

In the lead-up to the Persian New Year, Iranians are struggling to celebrate Nowruz amid a backdrop of war. With many cities under attack and numerous casualties reported, traditional festive preparations have been significantly impacted. Families express deep nostalgia for past celebrations and a heightened sense of dread, while some continue to uphold traditions even in the face of adversity.

In the days leading up to the Persian New Year festival of Nowruz, Iranians would typically be bustling with excitement, preparing for the holiday steeped in tradition. Mina, a woman from Damavand, northeast of Tehran, reminisces, We'd be busy getting ready ... cleaning the house, shopping for new clothes, sweets and snacks. But this year, emotional turmoil overshadows the festivities.

This year? Every day feels so long. It's like I've lost track of time, she laments. Nowruz, translating to 'new day', is a time to commemorate the spring equinox and nature's rebirth, but this year's celebration comes with the weight of war. With military actions ongoing since February 28, the atmosphere is thick with concern and sadness.

Human Rights Activists report over 3,000 casualties, including civilians and children. In response, the Iranian government has retaliated against external forces, escalating the conflict further.

Mina's son, Amir, articulates the fears of many: People are losing their jobs with the war. My biggest worry is our country's infrastructure... I don't want this to be our last Nowruz.

In the capital city of Tehran, markets are quieter, with shopping centers and streets typically teeming with activity now feeling subdued. Resident Parmis shares her experience: It used to be easy to find items for Nowruz. Now, I worry I will get caught in an airstrike. The thrill of shopping is gone. Despite the environment, some residents attempt to carry on with preparations—albeit cautiously.

The upcoming holiday is not just a celebration; it represents a deep cultural heritage for various communities including Persians, Kurds, and Tajiks, among others. Yet this Nowruz resonates with fear and uncertainty, alike to the last war-torn celebration experienced in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war.

As Mina expresses her bittersweet hopes, When the new year comes, I don't know whether the holiday announcement will be overshadowed by missiles and drones... I really hope not. The resilience of a nation is tested, yet the spirit of Nowruz persists amidst the turmoil.