Must See Film: The Spirit of Nowruz — One Family, One Song

“I think we all recognize that nothing in our world is more necessary than the spirit of Navroz. When we see all the conflicts, the plights of migrants and refugees, when we see the rise of xenophobia and racism in so many parts of the world, it is clear that we all need the spirit of Navroz” — António Guterres, UN Secretary General, quote from film.

Simerg is pleased to present a special YouTube feature on Navroz entitled “The Spirit of Nowruz: Marking the Start of Spring” that was organized by the US Library of Congress (LOC). The entire LOC program with discussions and a Q&A session is almost 1 hour and 13 minutes long. The informative 45 minute film by award-winning documentary and educational film producer and director Farzin Rezaeian commences at the 15th minute mark of the program with remarks by UNSG António Guterres. The film provides viewers with an excellent overview of the history of Navroz and how the festival is celebrated today across different countries, cultures, traditions and faiths. Every aspect of Navroz is covered in this fine — and at times heart-warming — film that will raise our spirits as we commence the New Year on March 21, 2023, followed by the holy month of Ramadhan two days later, on March 23.

Film commences at around the 15th minute mark. NOTE: The YouTube presentation takes a few moments before it begins.

Date posted: March 18, 2023.

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Before departing this website, please take a moment to review Simerg’s Table of Contents for links to hundreds of thought-provoking pieces on a vast array of subjects including faith and culture, history and philosophy, and arts and letters to name a few. Also visit Simerg’s sister websites Barakah, dedicated to His Highness the Aga Khan, and SimergphotosThe editor may be reached via email at mmerchant@simerg.com.

Celebrate Navroz with Smithsonian: Painting with Natural Colours in a Live Session on Saturday, March 13 – No Art Experience or Special Supplies Needed

A hands-on workshop designed for sixteen years and older will be conducted on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 1-3 pm (Eastern Time USA/Canada) by Sayeh (Saya) Behnam, an Iranian American artist based in northern Virginia who works with materials from nature, such as flowers, spices (saffron, turmeric), teas, and minerals to paint decorative eggs and postcards with Persian motifs. No art experience or specialized materials are needed for this workshop; the participants will make their supplies during the workshop from items commonly found at home.

The program is part of the event series Nowruz: A Persian New Year Celebration organized by the Smithsonian’s Asian Art Museum, and is made possible by the Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar Persian Cultural Celebrations Fund. Please register for the event by clicking HERE. One registration per household. A Zoom link and a list of suggested materials will be sent to registered participants ahead of the workshop. Enjoy this fun-filled event organized by one of the world’s leading museum institutions – the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

Date posted: March 11, 2021.

Featured image at top of post is credited to Saya Behnam (via Smithsonian)

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Also see our recent post Navroz books for your children to enjoy

Simerg’s Downloadable Nawruz Publication: Poetry, Ginan and Literary Readings

Simerg’s downloadable publication A Rich Collection of Readings and Poetry on Navroz is filled with informative readings and inspiring poems including an explanation of the ginan “Eji Navroz na din sohamna”.

The following NASA images show a cylindrical projection of the earth and the earth as seen from the sun at noon on March 21, 2013. Click on the images to download Navroz booklet.

Earth Cylindrical Projection 2013-03-21 0012UT. NASA Image. Please click on image to download Nawruz booklet.

Earth Cylindrical Projection 2013-03-21 0012UT. NASA Image. Please click on image to download Nawruz booklet.

Earth Spherical View 2013-03-21 0012UT. NASA Image. Please click to download Nawruz booklet.

Earth Spherical View 2013-03-21 0012UT. NASA Image. Please click on image to download Nawruz booklet.