The new Iranian year began at 12:31 pm local time on Thursday, coincident with the vernal equinox, an astronomical event that marks the start of spring in the northern hemisphere.
Iranian families inside and outside the country gathered together to see in the new year with the ancient festivities of Nowruz.
From time immemorial, Iranians celebrate Nowruz together, irrespective of their age, language, gender, race, ethnicity, or social status.
The word Nowruz itself literally means "new day" in the Persian language and the festivity marks the beginning of the solar year as well as the new year on the Iranian calendar.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly established March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz. The UN also celebrates the International Day of Happiness.