His Excellency Dr. Davoud Rezaei Eskandaris Article in Hello Mumbai

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Nowruz: World spiritual heritage

Bridging Persepolis to Taj Mahal

A Timeless Celebration of Light and Renewal

A world spiritual heritage, Nowruz has transcended time, connecting civilizations across Asia.

This ancient celebration marks the solar year’s beginning and remains steadfast with its cherished traditions. Nowruz symbolizes the eternal struggle between light and darkness, the rejuvenation of nature, a call for empathy and unity, and a time for inner and outer selves cleansing. As a harbinger of hope, it brings smiles to faces, sweeping away sorrow and leaving room for joy and laughter.

A Global Celebration of Life and Nature

The United Nations General Assembly, on February 23, 2010, officially designated March 21—the first day of the solar year—as “International Nowruz Day,” incorporating it into its calendar. India was among the sponsors of this resolution. In that resolution, Nowruz, with its rich 3000-year history, is recognized as a bridge between life and nature, calling member states for collective efforts to safeguard its cherished legacy. Earlier, on September 30, 2009, UNESCO inscribed Nowruz as “world spiritual heritage,” underscoring its universal, humanistic, and peaceful significance.

A Tapestry of Local Traditions and Shared Rituals

Nowruz rituals blend with unique local customs and beliefs, infusing the celebration with diverse colors and flavors across the regions. While specific practices may vary, some common threads run through the fabric of Nowruz. These include purchasing new clothes, savoring sweets and snacks, preparing a variety of dishes, sprucing up their homes, hosting festive gatherings, and visiting loved ones. The centerpiece of Nowruz is the Haft Sin table, adorned with seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter “S”, and representing renewal and hope.

A dynamic tradition Strengthening Family Bonds and Shared Joy

Nowruz, with its dynamic and powerful traditions, fosters cohesion and unity within families. During this festive season, people make every effort to return home, regardless of their location, to be with their loved ones. The exchange of joyful letters and cards adorned with beautiful poems and heartfelt messages, along with acts of remembrance for departed souls, visits to the sick, and warm reunions with friends, all contribute to deepening friendships, strengthening family bonds and nurturing love among humanity. These cherished customs are among the enchanting facets of Nowruz.

A Global Celebration beyond Borders

Nowruz’s extensive geographical reach transcends political boundaries, symbolizing shared history and culture across diverse Asian regions. Some even associate it with the ancient Aryan era. Presently, Nowruz is observed in over 14 countries, spanning Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Indian subcontinent. Its recognition also extends to selected cities in Europe, America, and Canada. This widespread celebration unites people across continents.

A Time-Honored Celebration between Iran and India

As two of the world’s oldest civilizations, Iran and India have maintained dynamic relations across various domains and their geographical proximity has fostered cultural and social exchanges over centuries. The Nowruz festival, celebrated in both countries, exemplifies this common cultural heritage. Just as in Iran, Nowruz holds deep significance in many regions of India, bridging the ancient ties between these remarkable civilizations.

During the Mughal era in India, Nowruz held a special place as an official holiday. The grandeur of this dynasty, including rulers like Akbar, Humayun, and Jahangir, extended Nowruz festivities to a remarkable 18-day period. In the twenty-eighth year of Akbar Shah’s reign, Nowruz marked not only the solar year’s beginning but also the inception of the new calendar of the Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith). Streets and courts adorned with decorations hosted feasts, where public food was shared, gifts exchanged, and aid provided to the less fortunate. Surprisingly, even the British administration recognized Nowruz as an official celebration in India. Notably, the Ashok Hall of the Rashtrapati Palace in Delhi, features two poems dedicated to Nowruz.

Shared Traditions across Borders, Strengthening Cultural Ties

Across various regions of India, Nowruz is observed especially by thousands of Iranians who migrated to India over the centuries, including Parsis (Persian Zoroastrians) that continue to celebrate Nowruz and uphold its cherished rituals. However, there are many other similar traditions in India even if with different names yet within a relatively consistent timeframe and shared common essence, echoing themes of renewal, victory over evil, and the revival of nature, i.e. festivals such as “Pateti”, “Basant,” Bahar, “Holi,” “Lohri,” and “Navreh” (in Kashmir) which all resonate with the spirit of Nowruz, bridging cultural connections between Iranians and their Indian counterparts.

These similar traditions and celebrations serve as powerful conduits for empathy and cooperation among nations. These customs allow for cultural exchange, mutual understanding of values and beliefs, and foster a sense of solidarity within a broader community. Nowruz, as a shared cultural heritage between Iran and India, exemplifies this unity. It symbolizes cultural continuity and reflects the longstanding historical and social ties between our two nations. Beyond political and economic considerations, Nowruz acts as a bridge, deepening mutual understanding and cooperation. It reminds us of our shared humanity. By honoring common rituals like Nowruz, India and Iran strengthen their cultural bonds and pave the way for even stronger connections.

Happy Nowruz!

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