Nowruz — the Persian New Year — is celebrated on the spring equinox by Iranian, Afghan, and many Central Asian communities, as well as by Kurdish and other peoples across the wider region. This post covers what Nowruz marks, the food and symbolism central to the celebration, and how London offices can acknowledge it meaningfully.
What Nowruz is and where it is observed
Nowruz, meaning 'new day' in Persian, is one of the world's oldest festivals and is observed on the spring equinox — 20 or 21 March. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar and has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years, predating both Islam and the Zoroastrian religious tradition that formalised some of its customs. UNESCO listed Nowruz on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2009.
Nowruz is observed in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and among Kurdish communities in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, as well as by significant diaspora communities across Europe and North America. London has one of the largest Iranian diaspora communities outside Iran, concentrated in several parts of the city including Kensington, Hammersmith, and parts of north London. The festival has cultural and national rather than purely religious significance — it is observed by Muslim, Zoroastrian, Jewish, and secular Iranian families alike.
The Haft-sin table and the symbolism of Nowruz food
The most recognisable Nowruz tradition is the Haft-sin table — a ceremonial arrangement of seven items, each beginning with the Persian letter 'sin' (س). Common items on the Haft-sin table include sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils, representing rebirth), sib (apples, representing beauty and health), senjed (the dried fruit of the lotus tree, representing love), sir (garlic, representing medicine and good health), sumac (the spice, representing the colour of sunrise), serkeh (vinegar, representing patience and wisdom), and samanu (a sweet wheat pudding, representing prosperity).
Beyond the symbolic table, food at Nowruz is celebratory and generous. Traditional dishes include sabzi polo mahi — herbed rice with fish, typically served on New Year's Day — and reshteh polo, rice with noodles that symbolises good fortune in the year ahead. Sweets, dried fruits, and pastries are shared with guests and given as gifts throughout the thirteen-day celebration.
Dietary considerations for Nowruz catering in a London office
Iranian and Afghan communities in London are predominantly Muslim, though many Persian families are secular and others are Zoroastrian, Baha'i, or Jewish. For a Nowruz office celebration, the principal dietary consideration for Muslim Iranian colleagues is certified halal provision. Zoroastrian dietary practice varies — many Zoroastrians in the diaspora observe no specific food restrictions, though traditional practice limits or prohibits certain meats. For an office catering context, providing clearly labelled options with certified halal meat and a strong vegetarian selection covers the majority of requirements.
Persian food as a cuisine is naturally varied: saffron-scented rice dishes, herb-laden stews, and fresh flavours from pomegranate, barberry, and citrus feature prominently. Nuts are common in traditional Persian cooking, which is a consideration for allergen-safe catering environments.
Planning a Nowruz celebration in a London office
Nowruz falls on or around 20-21 March each year, which places it close to the spring equinox and, in most years, within a few weeks of Easter. For City offices, this is a relatively quiet period in the corporate events calendar — post-New Year but pre-summer — making it a good moment to host a cultural lunch without competing with the volume of Q4 events.
Acknowledging Nowruz in a workplace setting — even simply through a team lunch on or around 21 March with a brief explanation of what the day marks — creates a belonging signal for Iranian, Afghan, and Kurdish colleagues for whom the occasion is the cultural highlight of the year. Decorating with seasonal spring greenery or a small Haft-sin display adds visual acknowledgement of the tradition. Vanda's Kitchen operates from Carter Lane EC4V, near St Paul's, with a minimum order of £150 and free delivery over £600.
For Nowruz catering across London — independently halal-certified, 100% nut-free and fully allergen-labelled — browse our catering shop or WhatsApp the kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Nowruz' mean and how old is the festival?
Nowruz means 'new day' in Persian. The festival has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years, predating both Islam and Zoroastrianism. It is observed on the spring equinox — 20 or 21 March — and marks the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. UNESCO listed Nowruz on its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2009.
Is Nowruz a religious festival?
Nowruz is primarily a cultural and national celebration rather than a religious one, and is observed by people of many faiths — Muslim, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Baha'i, and secular families all celebrate it. It predates Islam and carries its deepest roots in Zoroastrian tradition, but its identity as the Persian New Year means it belongs to a cultural heritage broader than any single religion.
What is the Haft-sin table?
The Haft-sin table is a ceremonial Nowruz display of seven items, each beginning with the Persian letter 'sin'. Common items include sabzeh (sprouted wheat or lentils), sib (apples), senjed (dried lotus fruit), sir (garlic), sumac, serkeh (vinegar), and samanu (a wheat pudding). Each item carries symbolic meaning related to renewal, health, prosperity, or love.
Which communities in London celebrate Nowruz?
London has a significant Iranian diaspora, one of the largest outside Iran, concentrated in parts of west and north London. Afghan, Tajik, Azerbaijani, and Kurdish communities also celebrate Nowruz. In the City of London's professional workforce, Iranian-British colleagues in finance, law, and professional services are the most likely group for whom Nowruz is a major personal occasion.
Can a caterer without a halal certification serve a Nowruz lunch for a mixed team?
Muslim colleagues — who make up a significant proportion of Iranian, Afghan, and Kurdish communities in London — require certified halal meat and poultry. A caterer without independent halal certification cannot guarantee compliance, meaning Muslim colleagues either cannot eat the main food or must take the caterer's word without verification. Independent certification removes this uncertainty.
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