Iranian New Year 1394: Happy New Year!

Iranian New Year 1394, Nouruz also transliterated as Nowruz, begins at 0215 on Saturday in Iran (1845 EST and 2245 GMT on Friday). Happy New Year! And may your Nouruz be the start of a year full of happiness and joy, for you and yours!

Photo: Haft-Seen (Seven S’s) are seven items started with ‘S’ in Persian, rooted in Zoroastrian traditions and each symbolizing an aspect of good life in the new day, and used in table setting of Nouruz celebration.

1. Sabzeh; wheat or barley sprouts, symbolizing rebirth.
2. Somaq; sumac, symbolizing sunrise.
3. Seer; garlic, symbolizing good health.
4. Seeb; apple, symbolizing beauty.
5. Senjed; oleaster fruit, symbolizing love.
6. Samanu; sweet pudding made of wheat, symbolizing success.
7. Serkeh; vinegar, symbolizing patience.

Happy Norouz, Iranian New Year 1393

Happy New Year! May the coming of spring and renewal of nature bring joy and peace to the world! 

Photo: Haft Seen at Norouz Festival in Reston, VA. (nowruzfestival.org)

Khamenei’s Norouz Message

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in his message to the Iranian nation on the occasion of Norouz called on officials to focus their efforts on economic and cultural development.

“In my view, what we are faced with in the new [calendar] year consists of an economy which will blossom with the help of officials and people and a culture which will determine, under the aegis of endeavors by officials and people, the direction of our country and nation in its great move,” Khamenei said. (IRNA/Press TV, 20 March)

He named the new Iranian year, “The Year of Economy and Culture, of National Determination and Jihadi Management.”

Khamenei added that the “economy of resistance” sets the stage for officials to restructure the country’s economy.

Photo credit: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (IRNA/Press TV)

Obama’s Norouz Message

President Obama sends best wishes to everyone celebrating Norouz. In a video message (with Farsi subtitle), released by the White House this morning, Obama talks directly to the Iranian people and leaders of the Islamic Republic about the possibility of a new chapter in U.S.-Iran relationship. 

Video: whitehouse.gov

Statement by President Obama on Nowruz (Video & Text)

The White House Press Office today released the video (with Persian subtitles) and the text of President Obama’s message on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, Nowruz, which begins on 20 March (0702 EST). Please click on the video above or read the text of the president’s message below.

“Dorood.  As you and your families come together to celebrate Nowruz, I want to extend my best wishes on this new spring and new year. Around the world, and here in the United States, you are gathering at the Nowruz table—to give thanks for loved ones, reflect on your blessings and welcome all the possibilities of a new season.

As I have every year as President, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the people and leaders of Iran.  Since taking office, I have offered the Iranian government an opportunity—if it meets its international obligations, then there could be a new relationship between our two countries, and Iran could begin to return to its rightful place among the community of nations.

I have had no illusions about the difficulty of overcoming decades of mistrust.  It will take a serious and sustained effort to resolve the many differences between Iran and the United States. This includes the world’s serious and growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, which threatens peace and security in the region and beyond. Iran’s leaders say that their nuclear program is for medical research and electricity. To date, however, they have been unable to convince the international community that their nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes.  That’s why the world is united in its resolve to address this issue and why Iran is now so isolated.  The people of Iran have paid a high and unnecessary price because of your leaders’ unwillingness to address this issue.

As I’ve said all along, the United States prefers to resolve this matter peacefully, diplomatically.  Indeed, if—as Iran’s leaders say—their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, then there is a basis for a practical solution.  It’s a solution that would give Iran access to peaceful nuclear energy while resolving once and for all the serious questions that the world has about the true nature of the Iranian nuclear program.

The United States, alongside the rest of the international community, is ready to reach such a solution.  Now is the time for the Iranian government to take immediate and meaningful steps to reduce tensions and work toward an enduring, long-term settlement of the nuclear issue.

Finding a solution will be no easy task. But if we can, the Iranian people will begin to see the benefits of greater trade and ties with other nations, including the United States.  Whereas if the Iranian government continues down its current path, it will only further isolate Iran. This is the choice now before Iran’s leaders. I hope they choose a better path—for the sake of the Iranian people and for the sake of the world.  Because there’s no good reason for Iranians to be denied the opportunities enjoyed by people in other countries, just as Iranians deserve the same freedoms and rights as people everywhere.

Iran’s isolation isn’t good for the world either.  Just as your forbearers enriched the arts and sciences throughout history, all nations would benefit from the talents and creativity of the Iranian people, especially your young people.  Every day that you are cut off from us is a day we’re not working together, building together, innovating together—and building a future of peace and prosperity that is at the heart of this holiday.

As you gather with family and friends this Nowruz, many of you will turn to the poet Hafez who wrote: “Plant the tree of friendship that bears the fruit of fulfillment; uproot the sapling of enmity that bears endless suffering.”

As a new spring begins, I remain hopeful that our two countries can move beyond tension.  And I will continue to work toward a new day between our nations that bears the fruit of friendship and peace.

Thank you, and Eid-eh Shoma  Mobarak.” 

Happy Norouz 1391!

Today is the first day of spring and the beginning of Norouz, the Iranian New Year. May the Norouz bring happiness and peace to people around the globe; and as the saying in Persian goes, May your everyday be Norouz!

Region Presidents in Tehran to Mark Norouz

Top to Bottom:

• The presidents of Afghanistan, Iraq, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Iran attending the Norouz (Nowruz) ceremonies marking the New Year 1390 (top two photos).
• Emomali Rahmonov, President of Tajikistan, arriving in Tehran's Mehrabad airport.
• Jalal Talabani, President of Iraq, arriving in Tehran's Mehrabad airport.
• Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan, rriving in Tehran's Mehrabad airport.

Top Photo: Mehr News Agency

Other Photos: IRNA

Karzai in Tehran

Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrived in Tehran today to take part in a ceremony celebrating Norouz (Nowruz), the beginning of the New Year in Iran and the neighboring countries. Karzai who is heading a high-ranking delegation is to meet senior Iranian officials as well as the presidents of several neighboring countries who will also be attending the Norouz ceremonies in Tehran. Among the topics high in Karzai’s agenda, is the fate of many Afghan citizens imprisoned in Iran. Karzai will be attempting to have many of them freed on the occasion of Norouz.

Photo: President Karzai, wearing the green robe, arriving at Mehrabad airport in Tehran / IRNA

Norouz Celebrations in Tehran

Presidents of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia and Iraq will take part in an international Norouz (Nowruz) festival hosted by Iran. Kyrgyz deputy prime minister, Qatari Crown Prince and Omani Foreign Minister will also attend the ceremonies, held in Tehran on 27 and 28 March.

Norouz, which coincides with the first day of spring on the solar calendar, is celebrated as the New Year in Iran and the neighboring countries.

Photo: Norouz’s Haft Seen set to mark the coming of the New Year / Press TV

Iranian New Year 1390

Happy Norouz!

New Year starts at:

020545 on Monday 21 March in Tehran

232054 on Sunday 20 March, GMT

192054 on Sunday 20 March, Eastern Standard Time

Photo: The 7 Seen, Mehr News Agency

Nowruz Art Exhibition in Tehran

Tehran's Museum of Contemporary Arts will hold an exhibition of works by master Iranian artists during the Persian New Year (Nowruz) holidays (starting 21 March). The exhibition is part of the International Nowruz Celebrations events taking place in Tehran next week with the theme of ‘Nowruz, Spring and Nature.’

The exhibition will showcase works by artists such as Sohrab Sepehri, Faramarz Pilaram, Reza Shahabi, Ali-Mohammad Heidarian, Mehdi Vishkaei, Ahmad Esfandiari, Davoud Emdadian, Yaqoub Emdadian, Reza Mafi, Mohammad Ehsaei, Abolqasem Saeedi, Nasrollah Afjei, Jalil Rasouli and Monir Farmanfarmayan.

Tehran will also host the 'Manifestations of the World's Contemporary Arts' exhibition, showcasing a collection of rare international artworks, including impressionist, cubist, abstract, minimalist and conceptual masterpieces. Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Kamil Jacob Pissarro, Fernand Leger, Rene Magritte, Max Ernst, Vasily Kandinsky, Pierre Soulages, Francis Bacon, Juan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein are among the artists whose works will be displayed.

Photo: A work by Faramarz Pilaram / PressTV

First International Norouz Celebration in Tehran

In attendance, left to right:

- Gurbanguly Myalikguliyevich Berdymuhammedov, President of the Republic of Turkmenistan.
- Jalal Talabani, President of the Republic of Iraq.
- Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Imomali Sharipovich Rakhmonov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan.
- Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The UN General Assembly recognized March 21st as the International Day of Norouz earlier in February, calling on world countries to draw on the holiday's rich history to promote peace and goodwill.

Photo: Khamenei.ir

Norouz Message by President Obama

President Obama's Norouz Message. 20 March 2010

(Click on YouTube video for full view of Persian subtitles)

Last year, President Obama’s message was aimed at the senior leadership of the Islamic Republic, showing the way ahead for normalization of relations between the two countries. This year’s message is a commentary on Islamic Republic’s refusal to regard Obama’s presidency as a new beginning in US-Iranian relationship.

Preparing for the New Year

March 21^st is the start of Norouz, the Iranian New Year 1389. Mehr photos show shoppers in Tehran preparing to celebrate the new season wearing new clothes.

Happy Norouz!

Haft Seen at our home

Gathering around it on Friday morning to celebrate the coming of Norouz

Friday 20 March is the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian New Year, Norouz.

Norouz is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

May the Norouz bring happiness for you and yours and peace on earth!

Happy New Year, Happy Norouz!

Today is the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian New Year. Norouz is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Albania, Bosnia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

May the Norouz bring happiness and peace to people around the globe; and as the saying in Persian goes, May your everyday be Norouz!