Sizdah Bedar: The Persian Festival of Nature & Outdoor Picnic Traditions
Sizdah Bedar, is name the last day of of Nowruz (Persian New Year), takes place on the 13th day of Farvardin on lunar calendar, blending ancient traditions with outdoor festivities. On this day families and relatives gather in parks, gardens and anywhere within lake and waterfront and good shade on a natural settings, sharing meals, telling stories, and playing games.
- Sizdah Bedar literally means: Outing on the 13th day
In-fact, 13 Bedar (Sizdah = 13), is more than just a picnic, this event symbolizes casting away negativity and embracing spring’s renewal. It strengthens community bonds, deepens connections with nature, and marks the conclusion of the Nowruz holidays in Iran.
When is Sizdah Bedar in 2025?
- Sizdah Bedar Date in 2025
- چهارشنبه، ۱۳ فروردین ۱۴۰۴ (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)
What actually Sizdah Bedar Traditions is for?
Sizdah Bedar is an an outdoor gatherings, where people simply out for picnic and having fun altogether. Families and friends come together, sharing flavorful rice dishes, grilled chicken kebab, sweet pastries, and local teas. With music filling the air, dancing adds to the festive energy, creating an atmosphere of pure joy.
If you’re joining a local family on 13 Bedar, try the “sizdah-bedar grass knots,” holds deep meaning. People believe this act transfers bad luck from the past year, and by releasing the knot into the wind, they symbolically let go of misfortunes. The knot is actually tying the grass, people are in nature, so the grass is around…
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Isn’t 13th an unlucky number in Iran?
Not at all. In Iranian culture, no day of the year is considered unlucky or inauspicious. Each day of the week and month has a meaningful name, often linked to natural elements, deities, or sacred figures.
The 13th day of each month in the Iranian solar calendar, known as “Tir Day,” is named after the star Tishter, which brings rain. Due to its positive significance, Iranians selected this day for the first Tirgan festival of the year.
The Best Things To Do In Sizdah Bedar in Iran
Things to do On Sizdah Bedar varies from city to city and family to family, however, Iranian on this day gather outdoors for picnics, play traditional games, enjoy music and dance, tie grass knots for good luck, and release Sabzeh (sprouted greens) into rivers to symbolize letting go of negativity and welcoming a fresh start.
1. Releasing Sabze
On this day, on Sizdah Bedar, locals return the Haft Seen greenery (Sabze), to nature, symbolizing a reconnection with the earth and marking the end of the Nowruz celebrations.
Releasing the Sabze to the nature and specially into the river or lake represents letting go of the past year’s hardships and misfortunes. On the 13th day of Nowruz, many people place these greens near streams or release them into flowing water. This tradition reflects the belief that as the greens drift downstream, they carry away old memories while spreading renewal and positivity across the earth.
2. Grass Knotting
As one of the 13 Bedar tradition, young singles, especially women, take part in a symbolic tying grass knots.
As they secure each knot, they quietly whisper wishes for a future partner, blending personal hopes with nature’s cycle of growth and renewal. Moreover, this ritual reflects the belief that by tying the knots, they strengthen their destiny’s ties.
In addition, this ancient tradition carries a deeply personal and hopeful sentiment, intertwining love, companionship, and the natural world in a meaningful way.
3. Cooking Ash-e reshte On Sizdah Bedar
Ash-e Reshte, a traditional Iranian noodle soup made with beans, mix of veggies, and thick wheat noodles, often topped with kashk (fermented whey) and fried onions, symbolizes good fortune and plays a key role in Nowruz and special gatherings.
Many Iranians, especially in some regions, prepare this sizzling soup on the night before Sizdah Bedar to prevent misfortunes and share it with neighbors on the thirteenth. Cooking and enjoying Ash-e Reshteh in nature remains a cherished tradition, while in Kurdistan, locals also savor grape leaf Dolma as part of the celebration.
4.The 13th lie (Iranian version of April’s fool)
Dorrogh-e Sizdah (دروغ سیزده), or the Lie of the Thirteenth, is Iran’s version of April Fools’ Day, observed on Sizdah Bedar day, the 13th day of Iran’s new year.
On this day, people play lighthearted pranks and spread harmless falsehoods, similar to Western April Fools’ traditions.
After revealing the joke, pranksters often say “Dorrogh-e Sizdah!” (meaning “Lie of the Thirteenth”) to acknowledge the trick.
This playful custom adds humor and joy to the celebrations, reflecting the spirit of fun and renewal associated with Sizdah Bedar.
4.The 13th lie (Iranian version of April’s fool)
Dorrogh-e Sizdah (دروغ سیزده), or the Lie of the Thirteenth, is Iran’s version of April Fools’ Day, observed on Sizdah Bedar day, the 13th day of Iran’s new year.
On this day, people play lighthearted pranks and spread harmless falsehoods, similar to Western April Fools’ traditions.
After revealing the joke, pranksters often say “Dorrogh-e Sizdah!” (meaning “Lie of the Thirteenth”) to acknowledge the trick.
This playful custom adds humor and joy to the celebrations, reflecting the spirit of fun and renewal associated with Sizdah Bedar.
Sizdah Bedar Celebrations in the USA, LA, Austin, and Australia
Sizdah Bedar, the Persian tradition of spending the 13th day of Nowruz outdoors, is widely celebrated by Iranian communities across the USA, Los Angeles (LA), Austin, and Australia. In these cities, thousands gather in parks to enjoy festive picnics, live music, dance, and cultural performances.
Sizdah Bedar in Los Angeles (LA)
Home to one of the largest Iranian communities outside of Iran, LA hosts grand Sizdah Bedar celebrations in parks like Woodley Park, Irvine Regional Park, and Balboa Park. Families enjoy traditional foods like Ash Reshteh and kebabs while participating in music, dance, and sports.
Sizdah Bedar in Austin
Austin’s Persian community comes together at locations like Pease Park or Zilker Park, celebrating with live Persian music, food, and games. Iranian cultural organizations often host events, ensuring the spirit of Nowruz remains alive.
Sizdah Bedar in Australia
Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane organize outdoor gatherings where Iranians and Persian culture enthusiasts picnic, play sports, and share traditional Persian dishes. Sydney’s Centennial Park and Melbourne’s Albert Park are popular Sizdah Bedar destinations.
This Iranian fun tradition keeps Iranian culture vibrant abroad, uniting communities through nature, food, and festivities.
Bottom line
Sizdah Bedar is a cherished Iranian tradition, simply is a fun day in the nature, that brings families and relatives together in nature to celebrate renewal, joy, and the end of Nowruz.
Rooted in ancient customs, this day fosters a deep connection with nature, strengthens social bonds, and reflects Iran’s rich cultural heritage. Check out abut Iranian new year on wikipedia