Celebrating Nowruz in the Heart of Hunza: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Renewal

Nowruz—also spelled as Nawruz or Navroz—is more than just a celebration; it’s a tapestry of resilience, hope, and cultural unity woven across millennia. Rooted in ancient Persia and Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz translates to “New Day,” symbolizing the start of the Persian New Year on March 21. Over the centuries, this vibrant festival has crossed borders—from Iran and Central Asia to South Asia—embracing new customs while retaining its essence of renewal and joy. In the mesmerizing valleys of Hunza, located in the northern part of Pakistan, Nowruz takes on a distinctive charm. Blending Iranian influences with local Hunza customs, the festival emerges as an ode to spring, family bonds, and the spirit of communal harmony.

1. A Brief History of Nowruz

Ancient Roots and Zoroastrian Ties

Nowruz’s heritage traces back more than 3,000 years to ancient Persia, possibly predating the formation of the Persian Empire. Many historians connect it to Zoroastrianism, a pre-Islamic religion practiced widely in Persia. When Islamic conquests brought cultural and religious transitions, the followers of Zoroastrianism migrated, spreading the Nowruz celebration far and wide.

Global Recognition and UNESCO Status

The festival’s importance in fostering cultural exchange and unity led UNESCO to include Nowruz on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Today, it’s observed in several countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iraq, Iran, India (particularly Gujarat and Maharashtra), Afghanistan, and Pakistan—especially in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, where Hunza lies.

Legends and Lore

• Haft-Seen Table (Iran): In Iran, people display the Haft-Seen table with seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter “S,” such as sprouts (rebirth), senjed (Persian olive symbolizing love), garlic (safety), and vinegar (endurance).
• Kurdish Mythology: Kurdish people commemorate the legend of Kawa the Blacksmith defeating the tyrant Zahak. They light bonfires on mountain tops, a tradition reflecting the victory of good over evil.

2. Nowruz in Hunza: An Alpine Canvas of Celebration

Nestled in the Karakoram Range, Hunza Valley boasts a natural grandeur that makes every celebration feel surreal. Rugged peaks, lush terraces, and blossoming fruit orchards form the picturesque backdrop for Nowruz festivities. The local people, predominantly from the Ismaili community, have woven this ancient Persian festival into their unique cultural fabric, making it a beloved annual tradition.

2.1. Eve of Nowruz (March 20): Preparations and Anticipation

Family Gatherings and Festive Excitement

• As evening approaches on March 20, families in Hunza come together. Warmth and excitement fill the air, with everyone immersed in preparations for the next day.
• One quintessential tradition is the careful pouring of Mutoo Doodth or Dumanum Mamu (fermented milk/yogurt). The tangy aroma mingles with freshly baked chapatis, teasing taste buds and signaling the arrival of Nowruz.

Bukak (Fava Beans) and Salty Necklaces

• Locally referred to as bukak or fava beans, these beans are lightly salted and often strung together to form necklaces. Children receive these necklaces as a symbol of blessing and protection.
• This practice of threading salted beans underscores communal goodwill—each necklace given is a wish for health, prosperity, and joy.

Fiti: The Traditional Bread

• In cozy kitchens, elders prepare Fiti, a special bread shaped with love and care.
• These small breads are gifted to children on the morning of March 21, a cherished gesture that signifies passing down blessings and the continuity of tradition.

2.2. Midnight and Henna Rituals

As clocks strike midnight, women and children gather to apply Masma or Sharong (henna) on their hands—and sometimes in their hair. Intricate patterns dance across palms and locks, telling stories of age-old customs, family legacies, and community bonds. Henna in Hunza isn’t just for decoration; it’s a ritual that links generations, binding the past with the present through art.

3. Nowruz Day (March 21): A Tapestry of Traditions

3.1. Early Prayers and Communal Breakfast

Jamatkhanas and Gratitude

• At dawn on March 21, community members congregate in Jamatkhanas (prayer halls). The air is tinged with solemnity and gratitude as people offer prayers for blessings in the new year.
• Post-prayer gatherings usually involve sharing fermented milk, Khamali (chapati), Shishar (fried bread made from fermented dough), and comforting chai. The communal meal cements feelings of unity and mutual support.

3.2. Symbolic Foods and Offerings

Fava Bean Necklaces for Children

• With the arrival of morning light, children parade around in vibrant clothing, proudly wearing their fava bean necklaces. This practice is unique to Hunza’s Nowruz celebrations, reflecting communal love and a sense of protection.

Small Salted Fiti

• Each household presents small Fiti breads to the youngest family members. The salted bread, created the previous evening, stands for blessings, nourishment, and a fresh start.

3.3. Swinging into Spring: Women’s Gatherings

One of the most distinctive aspects of Nowruz in Hunza is the special gathering for women and girls in blossoming gardens. They tie swings to fruit-laden branches, singing ancient verses that echo through the valley:

“Shuun Bilii – Shari Bano Shari Shaskatey – Qari Qat-tuu”

The lilting melodies and gentle swinging motions encapsulate hope, joy, and the cherished sense of rebirth that springtime brings. This ritual fosters a sense of youthfulness and renewal, with women wholeheartedly embracing the festival’s essence.

4. Music, Dance, and Culinary Delights

4.1. Traditional Tunes and Dance

Cultural Performances

• As the day unfolds, local musicians bring out traditional instruments, filling the air with soulful tunes that have been passed down through centuries.
• Men and women join in communal dances, swaying gracefully to these ancient rhythms. The dances highlight unity, love, and a reverence for nature’s renewal.

4.2. Sharbat/Harisa: The Dish That Brings Everyone Together

No Nowruz celebration in Hunza is complete without Sharbat/Harisa, a succulent dish made from:

• Crushed Wheat
• Meat
• Butter

This hearty concoction symbolizes prosperity and is served generously among family, friends, and neighbors. Cooking and sharing this dish deepen community ties and reflect the spirit of giving.

4.3. Abb-e-Rasan (Pure Rainwater)

In Hunza, if it rains on the night of March 20 or the early hours of March 21, the water is referred to as آب رساں (Abb-e-Rasan)—pure water collected to nourish both body and spirit. This custom underscores the valley’s respect for nature’s blessings, seeing the rain as a celestial gift that welcomes spring.

5. Nowruz Beyond Hunza: A Wider Cultural Mosaic

Though Hunza’s Nowruz traditions are deeply rooted in local heritage, similar celebrations unfold across Gilgit-Baltistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, and beyond, each with its own cultural flavor.

5.1. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Unique Highlights

• “Chi-Chi” Ritual: In some parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, a newborn is placed on an elderly man’s shoulders, symbolizing blessings and guidance for both the infant and the family.
• Egg-Breaking Competitions in Baltistan: Painted eggs are brought by competitors, who then try to break each other’s eggs. The person who manages to crack the most eggs wins, adding a playful element to the festivities.
• Polo Games: In Baltistan and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, local polo matches on Nowruz day ignite the spirit of friendly rivalry and entertainment.

5.2. Iranian Haft-Seen and Central Asian Traditions

• Haft-Seen Display: Iranians carefully set up a table with seven symbolic items starting with “S,” reflecting everything from rebirth to devotion.
• Kurdish Bonfires: The legend of Kawa the Blacksmith inspires Kurdish communities to light bonfires, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
• Central Asian Celebrations: Countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan greet Nowruz with street parties, music, and large communal meals.

6. The Symbolism of Spring and Rebirth

From ancient poets to modern writers, spring has consistently been a metaphor for hope, renewal, and rejuvenation. Harsh winters are likened to despair and stagnation, while spring’s arrival heralds life’s triumphant return.

• Flora and Fauna: Flowers bloom in dazzling colors, attracting graceful butterflies. Trees soak in the sun’s warmth, preparing to nurture fresh buds. Birds sing ceaselessly, celebrating nature’s grand revival.
• Sun’s Vitality: The “day king,” or sun, spreads its golden rays to every corner, signifying the world’s reawakening and the promise of brighter days ahead.

7. Why Nowruz Matters: A Festival of Unity and Renewal

Cultural Continuity and Adaptation
Cultures evolve, yet some core beliefs remain untouched. Nowruz endures as a festival that seamlessly blends tradition with new influences, demonstrating cultural resilience. In Hunza, these time-honored customs—like henna application, women’s garden gatherings, and salted Fiti—are woven into the modern era without losing their original spirit.

Celebration of Diversity
The world’s rich tapestry of Nowruz celebrations offers a glimpse into humanity’s shared longing for renewal and prosperity. Like a garden brimming with vibrant blooms, global cultures contribute different hues and fragrances to the Nowruz festival, making it both distinct and universal.

A Sense of Belonging and Community
For the people of Hunza, Nowruz is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a reaffirmation of communal bonds, where neighbors share meals, families exchange gifts, and children learn centuries-old traditions. This collective participation underscores Nowruz’s power to unite people across generations.

8. Practical Tips for Experiencing Nowruz in Hunza

1. Plan Ahead: Try to arrive in Hunza by mid-March. Local guesthouses and hotels may fill quickly as the festival nears.
2. Respect Local Customs: Participate in communal prayers if invited, but observe guidelines on attire and etiquette in Jamatkhanas.
3. Taste the Local Cuisine: Savor fermented milk (Mutoo Doodth/Dumanum Mamu), Shishar, and Sharbat/Harisa. Don’t miss out on fresh chapatis, especially Khamali.
4. Engage in Community Activities: Join the evening gatherings for henna application, and if you’re a woman or a young girl, enjoy the swings in local orchards.
5. Capture Memories: The stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and blooming flowers offers amazing photo opportunities, but always ask before taking personal or cultural photos.

9. Conclusion: The Eternal Promise of a “New Day”

Nowruz in Hunza, steeped in ancient history yet vibrantly alive in contemporary culture, stands as a poignant reminder of nature’s cycle of rebirth and human resilience. From the fragrant aroma of fermented milk and the salty crunch of bukak necklaces to the melodic voices of women singing in orchard swings, each moment of the celebration symbolizes hope, unity, and renewal.

Hunza’s Nowruz traditions echo the broader global tapestry of springtime festivals—each unique in expression yet bound by the universal sentiment of welcoming new beginnings. As Josef Pieper once said,

“To celebrate a festival means to live out, for some special occasion and in an uncommon manner, the universal assent to the world as a whole.”

In this spirit, Nowruz transcends borders, languages, and epochs, inviting everyone to partake in the joy of spring, the warmth of community, and the eternal promise of life renewed. Whether you find yourself in the winding lanes of Hunza, the bustling streets of Tehran, or the mountains of Kurdistan, let Nowruz remind you that each new day—every “New Day”—brings with it endless possibilities for hope, growth, and unity.

Embrace the warmth of community, the bloom of spring, and the timeless legacy of Nowruz—a festival that truly welcomes the rebirth of everything once thought lost. If you ever get a chance, head to Hunza around March 21 to experience first-hand how an ancient tradition continues to inspire hearts and bring people together with every “New Day.”