Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BC. The Medes unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC. The Islamic conquest of Persia (633–656) and the end of the Sassanid Empire was a turning point in Iranian history.
All these years this country has carried the tradition of food, cultural heritage which the lovely and friendly people had given to the present world. Antiquity and richness of its culture and civilization, the variety of natural and geographical attractions of the four seasons, diverse cultural sites in addition to the different tribes with different and fascinating traditions and customs have made this country as a treasury of tangible and intangible heritage.
Iran is the land of history and culture, and its tangible heritage is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, its civilization and historical and archaeological monuments and sites demonstrate variety and value of religious and spiritual heritage, rituals, and age-old traditions of this country as a sign of authenticity and splendour.
Norowz – is the traditional Iranian festival of spring which starts at the exact moment of the vernal equinox, commencing the start of the spring. It is considered as the start of the New Year among Iranians. The name comes from Avestan meaning “new day or daylight”. Norowz is celebrated March 20/21 each year, at the time the sun enters Aries and Spring begins.
Norowz has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian religion. Today the festival is celebrated not only in Iran but in India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
This year Norowz was celebrated with splendour and joy at the Iranian Cultural Centre which was organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi on 22nd March 2021. The Ambassador His Excellency Dr. Ali Chegeni along with the entire staff members of the Embassy greeted the guests, the evening was enlightened by song and music and the Chief Guest on this auspicious occasion was non other than the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Government of India. Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
Traditional Iranian dishes were prepared and served by the family members of the diplomatic staff and Iranian community leaving in Delhi and apart from this dinner was also served on behalf of the Embassy.
Persian Saffron Chicken (Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh)
Traditional Persian Sweets
Traditional Halem
Baked Rice Pudding
The invites enjoyed the evening amidst authentic food & music, the whole Iranian Cultural Centre was decorated with lights and Norowz was celebrated with joy and happiness so that the rest of the year should be the same in everyone’s life. We all Wish that this year be a Healthy and Prosperous Year for everyone…..”HAPPY NOROWZ”
Article : Debashis Dutta
Source : The Embassy of The Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi