Fruits and trays of sprouted wheat symbolizing spring are pictured at a village in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, March 21, 2026. Nowruz, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, is one of the most important festivals in Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)
Children jump over the bonfire in a celebration of Nowruz at a village in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, March 21, 2026. Nowruz, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, is one of the most important festivals in Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)
People circle around the bonfire to pray for blessings in a celebration of Nowruz at a village in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, March 21, 2026. Nowruz, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, is one of the most important festivals in Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)
People make traditional dish to celebrate Nowruz at a village in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, March 21, 2026. Nowruz, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, is one of the most important festivals in Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)
A man jumps over the bonfire in a celebration of Nowruz at a village in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, March 21, 2026. Nowruz, which symbolizes the beginning of spring, is one of the most important festivals in Azerbaijan. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng)
