Google Doodle Marks Nowruz 2025: Celebrating The Persian New Year – News18
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Google marked Nowruz 2025 with a special Doodle. Nowruz, celebrated for over 3,000 years, marks the Persian New Year and the first day of spring, symbolising renewal and hope.
Google Doodle today highlights the essence of Nowruz. (Screenshot: Google.com)
Google Doodle Today Nowruz 2025: Google today on Thursday, March 20, marked the arrival of Nowruz 2025 with a special Doodle illustrated by guest artist Pendar Yousefi. This vibrant artwork highlights the essence of Nowruz, a festival that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years, originating in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and spreading to many regions across the world, including Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and even parts of South Asia and Europe.
Nowruz, which translates to New Day in Persian, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian New Year. The festival is deeply rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, symbolising renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. It is observed by millions of people worldwide, with celebrations often lasting for 13 days.
One of the most cherished traditions of Nowruz is setting up the Haft-Sīn table. This special arrangement consists of seven symbolic items, all beginning with the Persian letter “S”
- Sabzeh (sprouts or wheatgrass) – Symbolising rebirth and renewal
- Samanu (sweet wheat pudding) – Representing strength and prosperity
- Senjed (dried oleaster fruit – Signifying love and wisdom
- Seer (garlic) – Representing health and protection
- Seeb (apple) – Symbolizing beauty and good health
- Somāq (sumac berries) – Representing the sunrise and patience
- Serkeh (vinegar) – A symbol of wisdom and the passage of time
Families also include decorated eggs, representing fertility, along with mirrors, goldfish, and candles to bring light and positivity into the new year.
Traditions And Festivities
In preparation for Nowruz, families participate in spring cleaning (Khāne-takāni), believed to clear out negative energy and make way for fresh beginnings. Another lively tradition is Chaharshanbe Suri, the fire-jumping festival held on the last Wednesday before Nowruz.
People leap over bonfires, chanting phrases to cleanse the past year’s misfortunes and invite health and vitality.
The celebrations continue with visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods such as Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish) and Ash Reshteh (a thick noodle soup). The festival ends with Sizdeh Bedar, a day spent outdoors to connect with nature and embrace the arrival of spring.
About Guest Artist Pendar Yousefi
Pendar Yousefi, the artist behind today’s Google Doodle, is a California-based UX designer leading the design team at Google Translate. His work focuses on breaking language barriers and creating more inclusive digital experiences. Alongside his career in UX design, Yousefi is also passionate about printmaking, illustration, and storytelling — he recently published his first children’s book.
With its deep cultural roots and joyful traditions, Nowruz continues to be a symbol of unity and renewal, bringing people together across different cultures and generations. Happy Nowruz 2025!
