13 Bedar in Tehran: Celebrating Life on the Frontline of War

Food, Music, and Rituals: The Heart of the Celebration

At its core, 13 Bedar is about joy. Despite the tension, Tehran’s residents embraced every aspect of the celebration.

Families prepared traditional dishes, often including:

• Sabzi polo (herbed rice)
• Kebabs
• Fresh herbs and bread
• Tea brewed over portable stoves

Music played a central role as well. Some groups sang folk songs, while others played instruments or shared playlists through portable speakers.

A key ritual of the day involves throwing away the سبزه (sabzeh)—sprouted greens grown for Nowruz—into running water. This symbolizes letting go of negativity and bad luck.

In 2026, this act carried added emotional weight.

It was not just about superstition—it was about hope.