Nowruz has survived through the darkest of days and it will continue doing so. It is who we are. A testament to life and hope. This year, with heavy hearts, we will sprout Sabzeh in honor and defiance.
In honor of the thousands upon thousands of beautiful lives lost in Iran. In honor of all the grieving families. In honor of all Iranians who courageously remind us what the fight for hope looks like.
And we will sprout our Sabzeh in defiance of the darkness. The darkness that has tried with all its might to silence hope. Hope cannot be silenced. Hope is within all of us. It’s there. Even among the shadows it stands tall.
So, dear friends, our Sabzeh journey continues. This year we will start our Sabzeh on Sunday March 8. I will share more this week what you will need. I hope you will join us. For hope. In honor. In defiance.
#sabzeh2026
“ The boot is on my throat
The noose is ‘round my neck
Lash marks scar my skin
Yet I still, speak up
Go on, my open wounds
Press them with all your might
You get tired
But I will never fold
My knees down on the ground
My death is certain
Yet this final verse I breathe
Is my only weapon
Go ahead, take it all again
My land, my very home
Even my lifeless body
Will still speak up
Because
I Am Iran “
Shervin Hajipour @shervinine
Sound up. Today is Sizdah Bedar. The 13th and final day of Nowruz. And the day we say goodbye to our Sabzeh. Tie a knot in your Sabzeh, make a wish and release it into a flowing body of water. Watch it carry off our hopes and dreams. Watch it carry our pain and sorrow. Watch it carry on the rituals and traditions of a people, a culture, a nation that has withstood centuries.
The birds sing the songs of our heavy hearts. They also sing the song of hope. At least, that’s the story I tell myself today, this minute, this second.
Even if you don’t have a Sabzeh, take a moment and step outside today. Make a wish, tie blades of grass, listen to song of the nightingales. Even if just for a passing moment.
#botpsabzeh2026
SABZEH DAY 9: Keep going, friends! This year my Sabzeh is way ahead of schedule. So please don’t worry if yours doesn’t look like this yet. Keep watering, keep chasing the light. If it’s cold where you are, you can use a grow lamp, or place it some pace warm. Just take care it doesn’t dry out.
botpsabzeh2026
SABZEH DAY 8: Each year is different. My Sabzeh is really thriving this year—despite my heavy heart, our heavy hearts. Sabzeh is one of the symbolic items we place on the Sofreh Haft Seen symbolizing renewal and new life. And I suppose this year, my Sabzeh is a testament to its symbolism. A reminder of life.
If you haven’t uncovered your Sabzeh yet, and you see tiny green shoots, go ahead and uncover. Water your Sabzeh to keep it well-hydrated. Make sure to tip out excess water. If it’s cold where you are, place your Sabzeh somewhere warm, and chase the light. Wherever and whenever you can.
#botpsabzeh2026
