Nowruz Celebration

Ticket prices: Caltech students & Post-doc s: $10 Non-Caltech students: $25 ($5 more at the door) Non-students: $40 ($5 more at the door) * free for Children under 6

About Nowruz: In harmony with the rebirth of nature, Nowruz (New Day), the Iranian New Year celebration, begins on the first day of spring. It is the most cherished of all Iranian festivals, as celebrated continuously by peoples living on the Iranian plateau and the surrounds for at least 3000 years. Nowruz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and the Rebirth. Nowruz, symbolizing rebirth, awakening and cleanliness is when the oppressive presence of the cold winter finally begins to retreat with the commencement of a lively and hopeful spring. This symbolic and poetic change corresponds to the astronomical Vernal Equinox, the instant when the lengthening day begins to overcome the long winter nights. With origins going back several thousand years predating the Achaemenian Dynasty, Nowruz has its roots deeply embedded in Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest of the world religions. Haft Seen table, a major tradition of Nowruz, is a collection of seven items which include symbols of love, beauty and patience.