TEHRAN, March 13 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed in the nationwide fire festival in Iran on Tuesday, Iran's Emergency Organization announced.
In the Chaharshanbeh Suri (fire festival) celebrations at least 516 people have been injured so far, the announcement said.
Besides, 29 people were amputated due to the sever injuries, it added.
With the fall of the dusk on Tuesday, Iranians celebrated the fire festival by jumping over bonefiers and using firecrackers in public places, which has its roots in the ancient customs and history of the country.
Chaharshanbeh Suri is celebrated by all ethnic groups of Iranians on the eve of the last Wednesday before the new year.
The rites for Iranians have the significance of the farewell to the old year and a prelude to the new year.
The turn of year, according to the Iranian calendar, falls on March 21 which also marks the beginning of the spring in the country.
