More than 300 million people in Iran and beyond celebrate the ancient holiday. It’s tied to the spring equinox and has roots in the Persian Empire. Here’s what to know.

The United Nations has marked 21 March as International Nowruz Day, commemorating a holiday that sees millions around the world eating, dancing and furiously spring-cleaning the house from top-to-toe.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Nowruz: A timeless celebration of renewal and new beginnings Nowruz, also spelled Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, or Nauryz, meaning “new day” in Persian ...