Pre-Nowruz rituals: what all Iranians do before New Year

As the Persian New Year approaches, Iranians make attempt to renew their living environment.

A number of practices and traditions associated with Nowruz are observed before the festival actually begins, including house cleansing ritual.

This is done by cleaning houses spick and span in what is called “Khooneh Tekooni”.

Iranians spend the few weeks to the New Year doing this. They remove the carpets, wash them, mop the floor, the walls, furniture, and everything else.

Traditionally, it is ladies that plan how spring cleaning should be done, but no one can wriggle out of the cleaning work as all family members should help to get the job done. 

In Ancient Persia, it was believed that the New Year should arrive in a clean atmosphere for family members and no contamination should remain on the body and spirit of the house from the previous year.

Nowruz is one of the world’s oldest festivals dating back to ancient Persia. Iranians consider Nowruz as their biggest celebration of the year.

MM/MM