IRGC commander: Persian New Year celebrations must align with Islamic values

As Iranians prepare to celebrate the ancient Persian New Year, which predates Islam, the IRGC commander in Ilam has announced that official Nowruz celebrations in the province will not be granted permits.

His remarks come as Ramadan coincides with Nowruz this year, a point he highlighted while stressing that celebrations must adhere to religious principles.

"These kinds of celebrations do not align with our Muslim culture, and we cannot act against revolutionary and religious values and principles," Hosseini said Thursday.

At the same time, he indicated that some form of commemoration might still be possible without elaborating on specific details: "Programs have been planned for consultation with media and community leaders to ensure Nowruz celebrations take place according to law, regulations, and religious and revolutionary principles."

While Nowruz is not officially banned, its pre-Islamic roots have long been a point of contention among religious hardliners, who dominate key centers of power. These groups often discourage traditional Persian festivals, viewing them as remnants of the past that glorify pre-Islamic Persian history.

In previous years, authorities have attempted to limit gatherings at historically significant sites such as Persepolis and the tomb of Cyrus the Great in Pasargadae, sometimes leading to clashes with participants. Similarly, Charshanbeh Souri, the fire-jumping festival held before the New Year, has often faced restrictions.

With Ramadan coinciding with Nowruz this year, officials have placed greater emphasis on religious observance, stressing that celebrations must align with “Islamic values.” However, what this means in practice remains unclear, as authorities continue to tighten control over cultural expressions they deem incompatible with their ideological framework.

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is based on the solar calendar, which follows the spring equinox and remains fixed in relation to the seasons. In contrast, Ramadan follows the lunar Islamic calendar, which shifts about 10–11 days each year in relation to the solar calendar.

Because of this difference, Ramadan and Nowruz only occasionally coincide.

Last year, Iran’s Supreme Leader chose not to deliver his customary Nowruz speech in Mashhad, citing the overlap with Ramadan.