What is the decorated tray of sweets, candles, eggs, and sprouts called in Azerbaijani Novruz tradition?

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The decorated tray used in Azerbaijani Novruz tradition is called a khoncha.

A khoncha is traditionally prepared with sweets, nuts, candles, colored eggs, and a central arrangement of wheat sprouts. Families may decorate the tray and place it prominently during the Novruz holiday, when households mark the arrival of spring and the new year.

The word belongs specifically to Azerbaijani Novruz customs, so it should not be treated as the universal name for every Nowruz table. In Iran, for example, the best-known ceremonial display is the haft-sin, whose name refers to its traditional arrangement of items beginning with the Persian letter sin.

Novruz customs vary across the region, but decorated food presentations, greenery, light, and symbolic renewal are recurring themes. The khoncha is therefore both a festive serving display and a visual expression of abundance and springtime celebration.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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