Nowruz: Unity and Togetherness

In Canada and around the world, Nowruz, the Persian New Year, holds deep significance. It symbolizes the arrival of spring and a fresh beginning for nature. Families gather around the haft-sin table, decorated with seven items symbolizing good things like beauty and prosperity.

Nowruz isn't just for Iranians; it's celebrated by many, including Turkish, Afghans, Kurds, some parts of India, Pakistan, and many more. In Canada, it's a time for politicians from different parties to come together and show unity, harmony, and peace across Canada, as you'll see in this program.

The celebrations last thirteen days, starting with The Fire Festival (Charshanbeh Sory), where people jump over fires to celebrate light and health. This year's event was organized by the Tricity Iranian Cultural Society, with the honorable David Eby, the BC Premier, Richard Stewart, Coquitlam Mayor, and other politicians from different parties attending. All political parties and the Mayor of Coquitlam emphasized the significance of Nowruz and extended their warm greetings for the occasion. They highlighted how Nowruz fosters togetherness, unity, and cultural exchange. Additionally, they expressed their wishes for freedom for Iran and advocated for women's rights and freedoms.

After the Fire Festival comes the Nowruz Bazaar, also organized by the Tricity Iranian Cultural Society, where people gather to purchase essentials for their haft-sin tables. Each item symbolizes something meaningful, from beauty, prosperity, and health to new beginnings.each item is a symbol of spring and renewal, including: Seeb (apple), representing beauty Seer (garlic), representing good health Serkeh (vinegar), representing patience Sonbol (hyacinth), representing spring Samanu (sweet pudding), representing fertility Sabzeh (sprouts), representing rebirth Sekeh (coins), representing prosperity

The Nowruz Gala, organized by the Canadian Iranian Foundation (led by Nassreen Fisof and her team), featured stunning dance performances, stand-up comedy, and local bands. This year's event was attended by important figures such as BC Premier David Eby and politicians from various parties.

I had the opportunity of interviewing the honorable David Eby, the BC Premier. During our conversation, we discussed the significance of Nowruz and the government's support for the non-profit organizations organizing events such as Nowruz.

On Nowruz day, families come together around the haft-sin table. They enjoy reading Hafez's poetry, share wine with fruits and nuts, and savor a delicious meal of rice and fish (sabzi polo ba mahi).

This year, Parvaz TV, in collaboration with Skyrise Media Society, presented a captivating Nowruz TV show that beautifully captured the essence of this grand celebration, emphasizing the significance of Nowruz in uniting people and communities. We'll share a glimpse of this wonderful show.

The main hosts of the Nowruz TV show were myself, Sherry Soltani, and Zohreh Ansari. The show was directed by Majid Mahichi and produced by Sherry Soltani.

The final festival ends with Sizdah Be-dar, a day to be outdoors and savor nature's fresh start. Families gather to enjoy nature and each other's company, with lots of dancing and singing.

Nowruz enhances civic bonds by bringing people together, fostering unity, and promoting cultural exchange. It cultivates a sense of community, shared values, and mutual understanding, enriching societies with love, prosperity, and the joy of cultural diversity.

Politicians, Mayor, and Councillors Speakers:

David Eby, BC Premier (Liberal)

Taleeb Noormohamed, Member of Parliament Vancouver Granville (Liberal)

Jagmeet Singh, Leader (NDP)

BonJohn Rustad Leader of the Conservative Party of BC

Zarrillo, Member of Parliament of Coquitlam (NDP )

Selina Robinson, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Maillardville (NDP)

Bowinn Ma Member of the Legislative Assembly of North Vancouver (NDP)

Richard Stewart, Mayor of Coquitlam

Councillor for the City of Coquitlam:

Matt Djonlic

Brent Asmundson

Teri Towner

Guest Speakers:

Behzad Abdi

Announcement of the Political Parties at Fire festival: Lida

Singers:

Sandi ("Here Comes Nowruz")

Moen ("Bahar")

Dance Performers:

Vancouver Pars National Ballet

Stand-Up Comedy:

Keyvan

Owj Music Group :

Song "Bieh Kare Bahareh"

Local Gilaki Mansour Firozbakhsh (vocals)

Hamzeh (tombak)

Shahrokh Ghazinini (violin-kamancheh)

Mansour Razi (flute)

Amir Zaman (piano)

Sohand Sarbishaei (tar)

Douman Music Group:

Song"Do Not Bribe"

Masoud Habibian: Guitar

Peyman Alamani: Tar (a traditional Persian instrument)

Babak Bahouli: Piano

Farid Habibian: Drum Pad

Daryar Yajam: Electric Guitar

Araz Rismani: Vocalist

Volunteer Host: Zohreh Ansari

Journalist and Producer: Sherry Soltani

Director: Majid Mahichi

Volunteer cameramen: 

Naeem Shahrizadegan

Mac Majidi 

Behrouz Janami

Organizations that collaborated with Skyrise Media Society:

Parvaz TV Canada

Canadian Iranian Foundation (Nassreen Filsoof)

Tricity Iranian Cultural Society(Behzad Abdi)

Copyrighted by Skyrise Media Society 2024

Statement by Minister Khera on Nowruz:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2024/03/statement-by-minister-khera-on-nowruz.html