New York (TDI): Twelve UN member states, including Pakistan, hosted a ceremony to celebrate the International Day of Nowruz at the UN Headquarters.
Symbolizing the arrival of Spring, Nowruz is the New Year of the Persian Calendar. A literal translation of “New Day” from Persian Language, 300 million celebrate Nowruz worldwide. The festival is most common in countries along the Silk Road but communities of Persian lineage adhere to Nowruz festivities, no matter the country they live in.
Along with Pakistan, the hosts included Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Iran, and Iraq. The ambassadors of the hosting countries delivered their messages, followed by musical performances.
President of the General Conference of UNESCO, Simona-Mirela Miculescu, extended Nowruz greetings to the hosting countries. She said that Nowruz celebrations are a great way to bring people together for over 3000 years.
Glad to wish “Happy Nowruz!” to the 13 member states who celebrate this meaningful arrival of spring. Bringing people together for over 3,000 years, #Nowruz – #LivingHeritage – is a great way to step into the new year with renewed hope. More, here: https://t.co/mjePjgtbd2 pic.twitter.com/4PPr2jzhj3
— President of the General Conference of UNESCO (@PGC_of_UNESCO) March 18, 2025
Ambassadors of Türkiye and Iraq delivered statements on behalf of their people. Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mumtaz Baloch, represented the country at the occasion.
Some countries celebrate March 20th as the official day of Nowruz while others celebrate it on March 21st, but the festivals and traditions continue throughout the month of March.
Nowruz’s celebrations have evolved over time and there are as many local and regional variants as one can count. In Iran, the Festival of Fire is an integral part of Nowruz celebrations, which continue for thirteen days.
This year, Iran has been celebrating its annual Nowruz Festival for the past week at Azadi Square. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran visited the Square and enjoyed the displays and performances.
I was deeply mesmerized by seeing cultural&historical diversity of🇮🇷yesterday,at International Nowruz Festival held at Azadi Square.Breathless event, befittingly welcoming arrival of timeless Nowruz, was graced by Foreign Minister,Culture,Tourism& Islamic Guidance Ministers of 🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/T5vl14bGoi
— Ambassador Mudassir (@AmbMudassir) March 15, 2025
In Pakistan, the Balti community inhabiting the Gilgit Baltistan region celebrates Nowruz with enthusiasm and rigor. Painting boiled eggs is the local ritual of Nowruz’s celebration in Pakistan.
