Nowruz, festival that marks the Persian New Year and the beginning of spring

Other items such as coins, flowers, mirrors, candle sticks, and decorated eggs are also put on the haft sin table to bring good luck, wealth, and happiness to the family.

The Holy Quran also has a special place on the table. And let's not forget the goldfish which is a favorite, especially among children.

Nowruz festivities culminate in Sizdebedar, which falls on the 13th day of the New Year. This is a day that has to be spent outdoors.

The UN General Assembly recognized March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz in 2010, describing it as a spring festival of Iranian origin, which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

As mentioned by the United Nations, Nowruz "promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness, thus contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities."

The writer works at the Cultural Council, Embassy of Iran in Nairobi.