Names of contributors have been changed for safety reasons.
In the days leading up to the Persian New Year festival of Nowruz, Iranians are usually filled with excitement and anticipation. Mina, a woman from Damavand, northeast of Tehran, recalls the busy preparations of past years. We'd be busy getting ready … cleaning the house, shopping for new clothes, sweets and snacks, she says, her voice trembling with emotion.
This year, however, is markedly different. Every day feels so long. It's like I've lost track of time, Mina lamented. Nowruz, translating to 'new day', is an ancient festival celebrated for over 3,000 years, marking the arrival of spring and a fresh start.
As the start of the Iranian new year approaches on March 21, this Nowruz will be the first many have experienced during warfare. Since late February, Iran has faced bombardment from US and Israeli military actions, leading to extensive devastation and loss of life, with reports of over 3,000 casualties, including many civilians.
Mina's son, Amir, expresses concern for the nation's future amid the ongoing conflict. People are losing their jobs with the war. My biggest worry is our country's infrastructure, he remarks. He fears there might not be much left of Iran to celebrate. I don't want this to be our last Nowruz, he adds.
Meanwhile, despite the tensions, some families are still determined to celebrate Nowruz in spirit. Many items for the traditional Haft Sin table are being purchased, albeit with a subdued atmosphere permeating shopping areas that used to be bustling. Parmis, a young woman from Tehran, mentions the lingering anxiety felt when out in public. It used to be so much easier to find all the items for Nowruz before. Now, if you go anywhere, you're always worried whether you will be caught up in an air strike or not.
As the festival approaches, the streets and markets reflect a blend of resilience and fear. The urgency to carry on with traditions stands starkly in contrast to the backdrop of conflict, with many grappling with the emotional weight of both celebration and loss amidst uncertainty.
