Which calendar marks New Year's Day as Nowruz, beginning with the spring equinox?

The Persian calendar marks New Year’s Day as Nowruz, beginning at the spring equinox.

Nowruz means “new day” and is celebrated across Iran and by communities in many countries. In the modern Iranian calendar, the new year begins at the astronomical moment of the vernal equinox, so the corresponding Gregorian date usually falls on March 20 or March 21 rather than January 1.

Nowruz has pre-Islamic Iranian roots and has continued across religious and national boundaries. Celebrations may include family visits, festive meals, new clothes, and the Haft-sin table, which displays symbolic items whose Persian names begin with the letter “sin.” Customs differ among regions and communities.

Nowruz should not be confused with the January New Year used by the Gregorian calendar. It is also broader than a single country’s holiday: UNESCO recognizes Nowruz as an element of the intangible cultural heritage of several countries.