Iranian embassy celebrates Nowruz

Celina Ali

Islamabad: In a remarkable gathering amidst the serene aura of the holy month of Ramzan, the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, extended his gratitude to a distinguished audience comprising esteemed generals, government dignitaries, ambassadors, university professors, and media representatives.

The occasion marked the celebration of the International Day of Nowruz, a festivity deeply embedded in the rich history of friendship, compassion, and peaceful coexistence. Ambassador Moghadam expressed his delight in hosting this event in the friendly confines of Pakistan, emphasizing the universal significance of Nowruz that transcends borders and cultures.

“Nowruz is the ancient ritual of friendship, compassion, and peaceful coexistence,” Ambassador Moghadam remarked, highlighting the enduring legacy of this tradition spanning from China to the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. “It belongs to all the people of the planet,” he added, underscoring the inclusive nature of the celebration.

The Ambassador drew attention to two significant points during his address. Firstly, he praised Islam for embracing Nowruz as a Parsi tradition, noting the prayer at the beginning of the event as a testament to its divine approval. Secondly, he highlighted the international recognition bestowed upon Nowruz, with the UN General Assembly designating March 21st as the official International Day of Nowruz in 2010, and its inscription as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2016.

A symbolic representation of Nowruz, the “Haft Seen Table,” adorned the event hall, radiating symbols of purity, light, livelihood, and blessing. Ambassador Moghadam acknowledged the contribution of Tajikistan, a brotherly nation, for their participation and expressed readiness to elevate the event’s stature in the coming years with the involvement of more countries from the Nowruz civilization area.

However, amidst the celebration of peace and friendship, the Ambassador also addressed the grim reality of modern conflicts. He condemned the atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip, denouncing the loss of innocent lives and destruction of infrastructure. “Modern ignorance, under the deceptive guise of human rights, denies peace and friendship,” Ambassador Moghadam lamented, calling for an end to the inhumane crimes plaguing oppressed lands.

In closing, Ambassador Moghadam extended warm congratulations to the government and people of Pakistan on the upcoming Pakistan Day, commemorated on March 23rd. He concluded with heartfelt prayers for the alleviation of suffering in Palestine and a universal aspiration for a world blessed with peace, hope, love, and harmonious coexistence.

As the event concluded on a note of reflection and hope, the echoes of Ambassador Moghadam’s words resonated, emphasizing the timeless message of Nowruz: a celebration of unity, compassion, and the enduring spirit of humanity.