- Title: AZERBAIJAN: Residents of Baku celebrate ancient New Year festival of Nowruz
- Date: 22nd March 2009
- Summary: INTERIOR OF HOME OF THE GASANOV FAMILY / FAMILY SEATED AROUND TABLE TEA BEING SERVED CANDLES ON NUTS FAMILY SEATED AROUND TABLE CANDLES ON NUTS/ GLASS BOY GOING OUTSIDE TO COLLECT HAT LEFT BY NEIGHBOUR/ BRINGS IT IN / FAMILY FILL THE HAT WITH FOOD FROM TABLE BOY PUTS FILLED HAT OUTSIDE FRONT DOOR FAMILY STANDING AROUND CAMP FIRE IN COURTYARD VALEKH GASANOV WARMING HANDS AR
- Embargoed: 6th April 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Azerbaijan
- Country: Azerbaijan
- Topics: Lifestyle
- Reuters ID: LVA5DP9S6LGDA2HDLMFXK7DQ3MKD
- Story Text: Azeris in the capital Baku began celebrations for the ancient festival of Nowruz on Friday (March 20).
Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is held on the first day of spring and marks the beginning of the calendar year in Iran and Afghanistan, Kurdish areas of northern Iraq and Turkey and some Central Asian republics.
In some countries, the festival has taken on an increased significance since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
The Gasanov family gathered in their home in Baku to eat traditional pastries, nuts and seeds - symbols of the festival marking new growth and a return to the nature.
Neighbours traditionally leave hats outside each others' doors to be filled with festive offerings.
Other rituals involve setting a fire and dancing. People also jump across the flames to rid themselves of illness and misfortune.
The origins of the festival are shrouded in mystery. It is said to have started thousands of years ago in ancient Persia - a spring festival to celebrate the reawakening of nature. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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