Goldan (Flower Pot) festival, a day for planting flowers and sprouts for Nowruz. People sowed wheat, lentil, or mung bean seeds so they would sprout in time for the Haft-Seen table.
Origin
Pre-Nowruz tradition - Haft-Seen preparation
Historical Context
This tradition is connected to beliefs in growth and renewal of life. After Sizdah Bedar (13th day), the sprouts are released into flowing water to return life to nature.
Fun Facts
Sabzeh (sprouts) is one of the main Haft-Seen items, symbolizing freshness and growth. Seeds must be planted about 10 days before Nowruz to sprout in time.
Related Events
Nowruz
Nowruz, the world's oldest celebration, marks the Persian New Year and the spring equinox. This festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over death. Celebrated continuously for over 3,000 years since the Achaemenid era, Nowruz is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities. Its rituals—including Haft-Seen (and its predecessor Haft-Shin), Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, spring cleaning, and family visits—all symbolize renewal of nature and the human spirit.
Nowruz-e Bozorg (Great Nowruz)
The Great Nowruz (Khordad Sal) falls on the 6th of Farvardin (Khordad day). In Zoroastrian tradition, this is the birthday of Zoroaster and the spiritual peak of Nowruz. Sassanid kings held public audiences on this day.
Sizdah Bedar
Nature Day marking the end of Nowruz holidays. Families picnic outdoors, tie sabzeh (greens), and enjoy communal games.
Rapithwin Festival
Rapithwin festival on the 3rd of Farvardin celebrates the return of warmth and light after winter. Rapithwin is the Yazata of noon and summer warmth who retreats underground during winter and returns with spring.