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Shefali Jariwala of ‘Kaanta Laga’ fame passes away, cause of death yet to be revealed: Report

  Pity the sudden demise of Shefali Jariwala, who is forever entrenched in public memory as the incandescent face behind the iconic Kaanta Laga remix, whose report reached us; the cause of death is still unclear. With her effectiveness in the remix of the 1972 Samadhi, she ushered in a cultural wave whose resonance reached every corner of this country. This unmistakable fame soon carried her onto celluloid, which was also under the helm of director David Dhawan, who signed her for Mujhse Shaadi Karogi just two years down the line.  Apart from her beautiful screen presence, Shefali graced the reality TV scene. She lit up the dance floors of Nach Baliye 5 and Nach Baliye 7 along with her husband, Parag Tyagi. In 2019, she added further colors to her multifaceted public image by entering the infamous Bigg Boss house in Season 13. However, her bright legacy is now being cast in shadow by a bleak update from veteran journalist Vickey Lalwani, who, with morbid seriousness, stated: “...

Google Doodle Celebrates Nowruz 2025: A Vibrant Tribute to the Persian New Year

 

Google Doodle Celebrates Nowruz 2025: A Vibrant Tribute to the Persian New Year

Google is celebrating Nowruz 2025, the Persian New Year, with a bright and beautifully designed Doodle that displays the amazing traditions and cultural importance of this ancient festival.

What’s Nowruz? Exploring the History and Importance of the Persian New Year

Nowruz, which means "new day" in Persian, welcomes the start of the new year for many cultures and has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years. This time-honored tradition originated in ancient Persia (now Iran) and has spread across various areas, including Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, South Asia, and parts of Europe.

Rooted in Zoroastrian beliefs, Nowruz represents renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. It's a season for family gatherings, joyful celebrations, and accepting fresh starts.

Acknowledging its major cultural significance, UNESCO added Nowruz to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Plus, the United Nations officially recognizes March 21 as International Nowruz Day to emphasize its worldwide importance.


How is Nowruz Celebrated? Key Traditions and Festivities

Nowruz celebrations are filled with bright traditions that symbolize purification, renewal, and prosperity. Let’s explore some of the most treasured customs:

1. The Haft-Sin Table: A Symbol of Prosperity

At the core of Nowruz is the Haft-Sin table, which features seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter "sin" (س). These elements reflect various aspects of life and prosperity:

  • Sabzeh (Sprouted Wheatgrass) – Represents rebirth and renewal.
  • Samanu (Sweet Wheat Pudding) – Stands for strength and power.
  • Senjed (Dried Olives or Lotus Fruit) – Signifies love and wisdom.
  • Somāq (Sumac Berries) – Represents the colors of the sunrise and patience.
  • Serkeh (Vinegar) – Stands for endurance and aging gracefully.
  • Sib (Apple) – Symbolizes beauty and health.
  • Sir (Garlic) – Represents protection and good health.

2. Spring Cleaning and Home Decoration

Before the festivities kick off, families dive into a practice called "Khaneh Tekani," which means “shaking the house.” This thorough spring cleaning is all about clearing out the old and welcoming fresh, positive vibes for the new year. Homes get a cheerful makeover with fresh flowers, colorful decorations, and candles, creating a warm welcome for the season of renewal.

3. Chaharshanbe Suri: Jumping Over Fire for Good Luck

A few days prior to Nowruz, many folks join in on Chaharshanbe Suri, a lively fire-jumping ritual. People leap over bonfires while chanting "Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man," meaning, “My yellow (weakness) to you, your red (strength) to me.” This energetic ritual is thought to cleanse the soul and bring good fortune for the upcoming year.

4. Painting Eggs and Sharing Festive Meals

Much like other spring celebrations around the globe, painting eggs is a beloved tradition during Nowruz. These bright eggs symbolize fertility and new beginnings. Families also whip up a grand feast featuring classic dishes like:

  • Sabzi Polo Mahi (herbed rice with fish) – A symbol of prosperity and abundance.
  • Kuku Sabzi (herb frittata) – Represents renewal and health.
  • Reshteh Polo (noodle rice) – Believed to bring good luck and help folks “untangle” life’s challenges.

5. Visiting Family and Giving Eidi (Gifts)

Nowruz is all about strengthening family ties. People visit their relatives, share good wishes, and give children Eidi—small gifts, usually money, sweets, or tokens of appreciation.


Meet Pendar Yousefi: The Creative Mind Behind the Google Doodle

This year's colorful Google Doodle celebrating Nowruz 2025 is designed by none other than Pendar Yousefi, a gifted UX designer who calls California home. As the lead designer at Google Translate, he’s all about making digital interactions smoother and breaking down language barriers. But design isn't his only passion; Pendar is also an illustrator, printmaker, and storyteller—he just released his very first children's book!

His Doodle for Nowruz perfectly captures the joy of the festival, bursting with bright colors and the rich cultural spirit we associate with this special time.

The Timeless Celebration of Nowruz

Nowruz is more than a New Year's celebration; it's a beautiful reminder of cultural traditions that have thrived for thousands of years. It brings families closer, unites communities, and emphasizes the importance of renewal, hope, and positivity.

With Google's Doodle shining a spotlight on this remarkable festival, millions around the world are reminded of Nowruz's beauty and significance—a cherished tradition that continues to resonate and uplift hearts across generations.

Happy Nowruz 2025! Wishing everyone joy, health, and prosperity in the year ahead!


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