The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has cancelled this year’s mass celebrations, which has seen attendance from up to one million people in the country.

"This year we are celebrating Newroz from our houses, windows & balconies because of the #coronavirus pandemic. We are staying home, staying safe,’’ HDP said in a statement shared on its English Twitter account.

Newroz, which marks the spring equinox, is celebrated on March 21 not just by Turkey’s Kurdish population of some 15 million, but by many peoples in the region under different names.

Newroz is celebrated by Kurds and Iranians in addition to nations in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Traditional celebrations to mark the day include jumping over bonfires, which people are simulating with candles this year.

This year we are celebrating Newroz from our houses, windows & balconies because of the #coronavirus pandemic. We are staying home, staying safe.#HappyNewroz to the Kurds all around the world and to all other nations celebrating it. May the spring bring peace and health to all!

Jailed former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas took to Twitter to share a Newroz message.

"As millions, we were unable to celebrate Newroz. But I believe that we will (once again) celebrate it during healthy and free days in fields of millions and millions,’’ Demirtas said.

Former HDP lawmaker Sırrı Sakik shared images of himself with a torch on Twitter to symbolize the Newroz fire.

"The fire of Newroz is burning in every home and every place,’’ Sakik said.

Kurds in the country shared the #NEWROZHERYERDE (Newroz is everywhere) to share videos and pictures of their home and balcony celebrations marking the holiday.

Reporter’s code: 50101