Nowruz is the traditional Iranian festival of spring which starts at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, commencing the start of the spring. It is considered the start of the New Year among Iranians. The name comes from Avestan meaning “new day/daylight”. Nowruz is celebrated on March 20/21 each year, at the time the sun enters Aries and spring begins.

Nowruz has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian religion. Today the festival of Nowruz is celebrated in Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

O’ Conqueror of hearts and sights

O’ Planner of night and day

O’ Transformer of power and conditions

Transform our condition to the best of conditions!

Dr. Hossieni, Director General of  Rice Research Institute of Iran (RRII) stated that according to long-time Iranian history we appreciate and celebrate the renovation of nature and also the start of the new rice-growing year. We gladly join this promise and festivity. On this auspicious day, I wish you all the happiness in life. I would like to congratulate all the dear staff of RRII. I also wish to send greetings to the honorable farmers and all those who work in the rice agricultural sector.