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.
Ambassadors of Türkiye and Iraq delivered statements on behalf of their people while Ambassador Munir Akram represented Pakistan.
In his remarks, he noted that Nowruz is coinciding with the Holy month of Ramzan this year. “Just as fasting purifies the soul, spring purifies the earth, reminding us that no hardship is permanent, and every challenge holds the seed of a new beginning,” he said.
As the earth awakens from its winter slumber and spring’s colors return, we celebrate Nawruz—a festival of renewal, resilience, and togetherness. In Pakistan, from the serene valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan to the historic lands of Balochistan and the ancient Indus Valley, Baharan is… pic.twitter.com/wi6cSU2Akr
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) March 19, 2025
In another ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mumtaz Baloch, hosted alongside representatives of 12 other countries. Pakistani feast was served at this occasion to rejoice the spirit of Nowruz, including shami kebabs, aromatic basmati biryani and refreshing lassi.
President of the General Conference of UNESCO, Simona-Mirela Miculescu, also extended Nowruz greetings to the hosting countries. She said that Nowruz celebrations are a great way to bring people together for over 3000 years.
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.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
