TEHRAN -- Nowruz 1405 (March 2026), which focuses on harmony and empathy and aims to rebuild social spirit, provides the ground for strengthening social capital and Iranian-Islamic identity. Nowruz is an opportunity to create solidarity and public joy.

Announcing this, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri, in a joint meeting of the Ministry's Cultural Council with deputy ministers and members of the council for cooperation of cultural organizations, considered Nowruz 1405 a unique opportunity to rebuild social hope, strengthen national cohesion and demonstrate Iran's cultural power.

Salehi-Amiri added that national cultural activities and the development of Nowruzgah across the country are part of the government's efforts to enhance the social experience of Nowruz.

Nowruzgah is a special place or venue where people hold their Nowruz celebrations and rituals. Nowruzgah cannot be called a festival, nor a gathering or a joyous procession, but rather a cultural event in which the ancient rituals of different ethnic groups are introduced. A ritual that is global today and, due to its global nature, tries to recognize customs and traditions among the people. In the meantime, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts provides the platform for this event.

He said that the governors are responsible for implementation of the programs, and the government will play a facilitating and coordinating role.

Regarding the major programs, he said: “Holding a meeting of tourism ministers from Nowruz-observing countries, Iran National Orchestra, the Nowruz Symphony, carnivals in different provinces, the presence of theater groups from provinces, and Nowruzgah sites are among our top programs. Also, public and urban spaces will be prepared to welcome the people in cooperation with municipalities.”

He emphasized that Nowruz is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bond between the generations and develop social capital, and the government will facilitate the ground for the process. The active presence of artists, poets, and civil institutions will turn Nowruz 1405 into a national and popular project, he added.

Also, Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi presented a report on the preparation of the country's infrastructure and said: “For Nowruz 1405, 1,000 Nowruzgah sites will be active across the country. Iran has a large capacity to host people.”

He added: “ Iranian new year( Nowruz) ceremony will be held at Nowruzgah sites, and a limited capacity has been defined for each historical monument. In addition, we will have 1,000 active handicraft bazaars, and with cooperation of the media and municipalities, the safety and protection factor for the  villages and historical sites will be strengthened.” Meanwhile, Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpei emphasized the successful experiences of last year. “The emerging provinces performed remarkably in the field of tourism, and in Nowruz 1405, the prosperity of free zones and the coherent holding of travel services headquarters will be among our priorities.”

Also, Hojjatollah Ayyubi, who heads Tourism Ministry’s Center for International Affairs, referred to the cultural and international programs and stated: “Various official and cultural programs will be held at Niavaran Palace and Golestan Palace. Also, the screening of ‘Nowruz greetings’ art paintings and the performance of Nowruz symphony in collaboration with Iranian, Afghan and Tajik artists will create a Nowruz and cultural atmosphere in the country.”

KD