Springing into Unity: Nowruz and the Spirit of Togetherness

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, holds immense cultural significance for various communities, including Iranians, Tajiks, Afghans, Kurds, and Turks. Originating in Iran, Nowruz is celebrated by all the countries that were once part of the Persian Empire. This annual celebration marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal of life after a long winter. The essence of Nowruz lies in the vibrant blossoming of nature, a metaphor for the rejuvenation of spirits and hope.

In the multicultural landscape of Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Nowruz has become even more poignant as it acts as a unifying force, bringing together diverse people and communities. This celebration is a source of joy, fostering a sense of togetherness, especially for those seniors living alone in BC without their families. It provides them with an opportunity to connect with their roots, celebrating their culture and Nowruz as members of a supportive community.

The Nowruz event was hosted at the North Vancouver Legion Center in collaboration with the Iranian Foundation in Vancouver,( Mrs & Mr Sadegi Founder) Skyrise Media Society, and Parvaz. The hosts of the event were Sherry and Poran. The event commenced with the national anthems of Iran and Canada, setting the stage for an enriching cultural experience. Mr. Sadeghi, the founder of the Iranian Foundation, introduced the event, while Sherry welcomed everyone with a land acknowledgment.

Mrs. Sadegi's presentation skillfully illuminated the historical context, offering a deeper insight into the enduring traditions that render Nowruz a beloved and culturally significant celebration. Her talk enriched the audience's understanding, providing a nuanced perspective on the cultural depth and importance that underlie the festive occasion.

Poran then spoke eloquently about the significance of celebrating Nowruz in our society. She emphasized that Nowruz is more than just a new day; it brings generations together, dispels sadness, and heralds a new beginning. Particularly, she highlighted the importance of celebrating with elders and seniors, noting that Nowruz instills hope in our hearts, fostering a sense of goodness and encouraging mutual support, especially for seniors who may feel lonely during this time of year.

Sherry introduced various performances, including a dance competition and other enjoyable activities. Seniors also shared their heartfelt stories about Nowruz, adding a personal touch to the celebration. The event reached its conclusion with Majid Moshiri inviting Ghazaleh Nozamani from the non-profit organization Love Without Borders to speak.

Ghazaleh touched upon the acknowledgment of indigenous lands and discussed ongoing projects, particularly in affordable housing.

Mrs. Sadegi expressed gratitude towards volunteers and attending seniors, distributing heartfelt gifts. In her closing remarks, Sherry thanked everyone for participating in the event, emphasizing the bridge it created between communities and the importance of involving young people to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage. The celebration not only marked the arrival of spring but also served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures coexisting harmoniously in the Canadian community.

The event boasted a diverse and talented lineup of performers and speakers, each contributing their unique flair to the celebration. The array of artistic expressions and cultural contributions added depth and vibrancy to the occasion. The lineup included:

Mrs. Molavi: Poem (Hafez)

Simin: Singing ( Bahar)

Majid Moshiri: Acknowledgments & Speaker

Nayer: Dance & Singing (Love for spring)

Mr. Ayeen: Singing ( Sokofeh)

Mrs. Rohangiz: Singing (Amad Bahar)

Sosan: Piano ( Spring a new life song)

Mehrnoosh: Tonbak

Sohiel: singing ( pran soraty)

Rahimeh: Singing (Ey Jana)

Parvin: Poem and Singing ( shomali)

Gholshan Mohamedzadeh singing (Joonom)

Seper: Poem (Hafez)

Mr. Mortazavi: Dance ( Turkish song delbar)

Mrs. Hormozi: Nowruz Story

Mrs. Moshiri: Nowruz Story

Mina: Speaker

Iranian Foundation of Vancouver: Non profit Organization ( Mrs. & Mr. Sadegi)

Parvaz Canada

Ghazaleh Nozamani: non-profit organization Love Without Borders

Volunteer Host: Poran Poregbal MA, RSW, RCC Doctoral Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Producer and Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society