Statement by

H.E. Mr. Majid Takht Ravanchi

Ambassador and Permanent Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

on the celebration of “The International Day of Nowruz”

New York, 22 March 2021

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Your Excellency, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly,

Your Excellency, Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,

Dear Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nowruz, which was introduced in Iran over 3000 years ago, is the most ancient festivity of the New Year celebrated by hundreds of millions worldwide. In the Persian language, Nowruz means “New Day” as it marks the beginning of spring, thus symbolizing the revival of nature following the winter season.

However, with all of its customs and rites, Nowruz is much more than a date marked in our calendar. It conveys a deeply rooted culture that brings hope, peace and prosperity to the people. This beautiful tradition intertwines culture with nature and embraces not only the renewal of the living environment but also the state of the soul and mind. Since its inception, Nowruz has served as the common language for a multitude of people spanning different countries and ethnicities.  

Nowruz promotes the true human values of peace, solidarity, empathy and friendship. Inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the joint initiative of Iran and 11 countries in our region, Nowruz is the manifestation of the unity of cultural heritage as well as centuries-long traditions, playing a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on the ideals of co-existence and good-neighborliness.

In Iran, people, regardless of their age, gender, ethnic origin, and religious affiliations enjoy participating in the celebration of Nowruz, which includes various ceremonies and rituals. An important tradition practiced during this time is the gathering of family members around ‘the Table’ – in Persian it is called "Sofre-ye Haft Sin”, which is a table decorated with objects that each of them symbolizes lovely concepts such as rebirth of nature, fertility, health, beauty, wealth, purity and prosperity.  Among other important traditions we can refer to the cleaning homes before the New Year, visiting relatives, going to the graves of the lost loved ones, wearing new clothes and exchanging gifts or “Eidi” which children are enthusiastic to receive them. These practices, which contribute to building bounds of brotherhood, friendship and mutual respect, are transmitted from older to younger generations. In Iran, women play a major role in this cultural event, managing the ceremonies and disseminating the traditional knowledge to the youth.

At this time as we live in a turbulent crisis-ridden world in which extremism, violence, hostility and unilateralism have reached highest levels, the message of Nowruz is more relevant than ever.

In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincerest wishes to all for a festive and joyous Nowruz and close my remarks by the elegant words of the Iranian poet Saʿdī Shirazi:

The morning breeze and Nowruz scent have started to blow,

Onto the friends' desire and the triumphant fortune,

Happy be onto you this year and every year,

Blessed be to you this day and every day.

Thank you