Which of the following is inscribed in the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage?

Option 3 : Nowruz

The correct answer is Nowruz.

• Nowruz is the Iranian New Year, which is widely known as the Persian New Year and is celebrated worldwide by some religious groups.
• The festival is celebrated on the first of Farvardin – Zoroastrian calendar’s first month and the onset of spring.
• Listed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of India, the festival is also known as Navroj, Nowrouz, Navruz,Novruz, and Nevruz.
• The festival commences at the vernal equinox stroke, the time when the sun passes through the equator. 
• It is celebrated in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• In India, it is mostly celebrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Historical Significance:

• The tradition began long ago and is baptized after the Persian King, Jamshed who introduced the Parsi calendar. Thus, the name – Jamshed-i-Nowroz.
• King Jamshed was held on high for his righteousness and truthfulness. So, Parsis also celebrate the king during the festival signifying walking on the virtuous path and living truthfully.
• All over the world, the Parsi community and various sects of Muslims (Sunni and Shia, both) celebrate Nowruz.
• Parsis pray at Atash Behram (Fire of Victory- the highest fire grade of a fire that can be placed in a Zoroastrian fire temple as an eternal flame).