Nowruz 1405 (Year 2585) in Vancouver: Complete Guide to Persian New Year

Nowruz (Persian New Year) marks the beginning of the year 1405 in the Solar Hijri calendar, which also corresponds to the year 2585 in the Shahanshahi (Imperial) calendar. This ancient celebration welcomes the arrival of spring and is observed by millions of people worldwide, including the vibrant Iranian community in Metro Vancouver.

What Is Nowruz?

Nowruz (نوروز), meaning “new day”, is the first day of the Persian solar calendar. It coincides precisely with the spring equinox, when day and night are equal.

With a history of over 3,000 years, Nowruz has deep roots in Zoroastrian traditions and is widely celebrated across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and by Persian communities around the world. It is officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nowruz symbolizes renewal, rebirth, hope, and a fresh start aligned with the natural cycle of spring.

When Is Nowruz 1405 in Vancouver?

Nowruz begins at the exact astronomical moment of the spring equinox.

Nowruz 1405 Start Time (Vancouver, BC)

• Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Time: 7:46 AM (PDT)

Nowruz 2026 in Iran

• Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
• Time: 6:16 PM (IRST)

This precise moment is called Saal Tahvil (سال تحویل)—when families gather around the Haft-Seen table to welcome the new year together.

Persian Calendar Year 1405 Explained

Nowruz 2026 marks:

• Solar Hijri Year: 1405

• Shahanshahi (Imperial) Year: 2585

The Shahanshahi calendar reflects Iran’s ancient heritage and is calculated by adding 1180 years to the Solar Hijri calendar:

1405 + 1180 = 2585

This system traces back symbolically to the founding of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, offering historical context alongside the modern calendar used in Iran today.

Persian Year 1405 Animal

Each year in the Persian zodiac is associated with an animal.

Year 1405: Year of the Horse (اسب)

The horse symbolizes:

• Energy and forward movement
• Strength and resilience
• Ambition and progress

This year is often associated with action, growth, and new opportunities.

Haft-Seen Table: Meaning & Symbolism

The Haft-Seen (هفت‌سین) is the heart of Nowruz celebrations. It consists of seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter “S” (س), each representing an important concept.

The Seven “S” Items

• Sabzeh (سبزه): Growth and renewal
• Samanu (سمنو): Strength and abundance
• Senjed (سنجد): Love and wisdom
• Seer (سیر): Health and protection
• Seeb (سیب): Beauty and vitality
• Somāq (سماق): Sunrise and patience
• Serkeh (سرکه): Aging and acceptance

Additional Elements

• Mirror: Reflection and self-awareness
• Candles: Light and happiness
• Goldfish: Life and movement
• Coins: Prosperity and wealth
• Holy or poetry book: Wisdom and spirituality

Nowruz Traditions & Customs

Khaneh Tekani (Spring Cleaning)

Families thoroughly clean their homes before Nowruz to symbolize a fresh start and remove negativity.

Chaharshanbe Suri (Fire Festival)

Held on the last Wednesday before Nowruz, people jump over fire to symbolize purification and renewal.

Did o Bazdid (Family Visits)

Visiting family members, especially elders, is a key tradition. Younger people receive gifts or money (Eidi).

Duration of Nowruz: 13 Days of Celebration

Nowruz is not a single-day event—it is a 13-day celebration filled with gatherings, food, and cultural traditions.

During these days:

• Families host and attend gatherings
• Traditional meals are prepared and shared
• People reconnect with relatives and friends
• Homes remain decorated with Haft-Seen displays

Sizdah Bedar (13 Bedar): Nature Day

The final day of Nowruz, known as Sizdah Bedar, takes place on:

• April 2, 2026

On this day:

• Families go outdoors to parks and nature
• Picnics and outdoor activities are enjoyed
• The Sabzeh (sprouted greens) is released into water, symbolizing letting go of negativity

In Vancouver, popular locations include Stanley Park, Ambleside Park, and Deer Lake Park, where many Iranian families gather.

Where to Celebrate Nowruz in Vancouver

Metro Vancouver has a vibrant Iranian community, making it one of the best places in Canada to experience Nowruz.

Community Celebrations

• Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (Downtown Vancouver)
• North Vancouver cultural centres and community events
• Coquitlam and West Vancouver community gatherings

However, in 2026, due to the ongoing situation and war in Iran, many large-scale public Nowruz events have been cancelled or scaled down.

Despite this, the spirit of Nowruz remains strong. Iranian families in Vancouver and around the world continue to celebrate privately through family gatherings, home celebrations, and cultural traditions.

Where to Buy Haft-Seen Items in Vancouver

If you are looking to set up your own Haft-Seen table or celebrate Nowruz at home, you can find everything you need at Iranian stores across Metro Vancouver.

Key Areas to Visit

• North Vancouver (Lonsdale area) – The largest concentration of Iranian shops
• West Vancouver
• Coquitlam (Tri-Cities)

What You Can Find

• Sabzeh (sprouted greens)
• Hyacinths and spring flowers
• Traditional sweets and nuts
• Haft-Seen decorative items
• Persian groceries and ingredients

North Vancouver is especially known as the heart of the Iranian community, making it the best place to explore Nowruz shopping and culture.

Popular Persian Restaurants in Vancouver

Nowruz is also a time to enjoy traditional Persian cuisine. Many restaurants across Vancouver offer authentic dishes and a festive atmosphere during the season.

Popular Persian Dishes to Try

• Chelo Kebab (grilled skewers with saffron rice)
• Ghormeh Sabzi (herb stew)
• Fesenjan (pomegranate walnut stew)
• Tahdig (crispy rice)

Where to Go

You can find excellent Persian restaurants across:

• North Vancouver
• Downtown Vancouver
• West Vancouver

Many of these restaurants offer special Nowruz menus, making them a great option for celebrating with friends and family.

Why Nowruz Matters Today

Nowruz continues to be a powerful symbol of:

• Renewal and new beginnings
• Cultural identity and heritage
• Family connection and unity
• Hope and resilience

Especially during challenging times, such as the current situation affecting Iran, Nowruz becomes even more meaningful as a reminder of strength, continuity, and community.

Celebrate Nowruz 1405 in Vancouver

Even though some public events may be limited this year, Nowruz lives on through family traditions, cultural practices, and shared experiences.

In Vancouver, you can still fully experience Nowruz by:

• Hosting a Haft-Seen at home
• Visiting Iranian stores and markets
• Enjoying Persian cuisine
• Spending time with family and friends
• Celebrating Sizdah Bedar outdoors in nature

Nowruz is ultimately about connection, renewal, and hope—values that continue to thrive across Vancouver’s diverse community.