RFE/RL

As millions of people all over the world celebrate Norouz, RFE/RL’s Radio Farda asked its audience to share hopes, wishes — and some graphic designs — in honor of the Persian New Year…[read more]

Girls, alcohol, drinks, freedom…Iranians go to Armenia for ‘Spring Break.’

#Norouz photos from our broadcast regions!

Springtime has finally arrived, and last  week’s “Friday Photos From…” gallery celebrated Norouz, a holiday that not only marks the spring equinox but also the first day of the Persian New Year. 

The holiday is celebrated across Central Asia and the Caucasus and is a loud and colorful start to the new year. The history of Norouz dates back to pre-Islamic Iran where it is believed to have been the holiday of the ancient Zoroastrian religion. 

These photos come from our broadcast regions, such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Azerbaijan and Iran and were taken by our photographers. Photos from Iran are a courtesy of Mehr agency. 

Check out what listeners of RFE/RL’s Persian Service, Radio Farda wish for in the New Year at “Radio Farda Listeners Share Norouz Wishes” 

See the rest of the photos on our Facebook page!

Norouz celebrations in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photos by @RadioAzadi’s Sayedjan Sabawoon.

Afghans gathered at a fair full of music, rides, and food, while young men dressed in green, the traditional spring color, to try to kiss a holy flagpole raised during each Norouz.

But for thousands of poor Afghan families, the ancient festival is a vivid reminder of their woes as they struggle to make ends meet in one of the poorest and most volatile countries in the world….[read more]

Norouz video by @RadioAzadi’s Sayedjan Sabawoon: People across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East are celebrating Norouz, the Persian New Year, which marks the coming of spring. In Kabul, Afghans gathered at a fair full of music, rides, and food, while young men dressed in green, the traditional spring color, to try to kiss a holy flagpole raised during each Norouz.