An Iranian man dressed as Haji Firuz, the traditional herald of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, dances and collects money among the people shopping at a street market for the festivities, in Tehran. Traditionally, Iranians buy goldfish and flowers to mark Nowruz, which this year falls on March 20. EPA
Kyrgyz riders play the traditional Central Asian sport of Kok boru (Gray Wolf) or Buzkashi (Goat Grabbing) in Cholpon-Ata near Issyk Kule lake some 250kms from Bishkek. Riders compete for points by throwing a stuffed sheepskin into a well in games dedicated to the celebration of Nowruz. AFP
Kyrgyz riders play the traditional Central Asian sport of Kok boru or Buzkashi, marking the first day of Iranian New Year. AFP
Goldfish are for sale at a street market for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in Tehran. EPA
Iranians shop at a street market for Nowruz, which has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is the most revered celebration in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and portions of western China and northern Iraq. EPA
Iranians shop at a street market for Nowruz in Tehran. EPA
The celebration of renewal, and the coming spring is said to date back to at least the 6th century. It is one of the holiest days in the ancient Zoroastrian calendar. EPA
An Iranian man plays music among the cars to collect money during Norwuz. EPA
An Iranian girl and boy dressed as Haji Firuz. EPA
While there are many unique traditions connected to the Nowruz that run across the globe, many communities will mark today with some sort of feast, and by spending time with family members and friends. EPA
