On 23^rd of March the cultural agency of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Bulgaria invited its compatriots and their friends to celebrate the upcoming Iranian New Year.

  The celebration was held in the Iranian Embassy, where the guests were welcomed by Mr. Hassan Dotagi, chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mr. Hamid Reza Azadi, Cultural Affairs Advisor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Nowruz is among the most important Iranian cultural occasion, because it marks both New Year and the beginning of Spring. It is one of most the ancient and significant holidays of the Iranian nation and it has been celebrated for nearly 3000 years. Nowruz means "new day". Mr. Hassan Dotagi and Mr. Hamid Reza Azadi started their speeches with welcoming words to all Iranians living in Sofia.

After the official part all guests enjoyed a traditional feast. On this holiday the "Sofre Haft Sin" takes very important place during the celebration. A beautifully decorated "Sofre Haft Sin" was symbolically placed in the hall in the Embassy. According to the ancient traditions on the table should be placed 7 dishes which names start with the 15th Persian letter of  "S" pronounces "Sin". The seven Sins "Haft Sin" are sumac, garlic, senjed, wheat germ dessert, apple, vinegar and grain sprouts. On the table there are also the Quran, a candle, a coin and painted egg.

All guests had the opportunity to try the delicious Iranian dishes but also to view the collection of traditional clothing and household items of the Iranian culture.
A joyful quiz for the children was held during the evening and the winners received awards.

A really intimate atmosphere of Nowruz was created and all relatives and friends enjoyed the event together, forgetting about social and spiritual differences.

Nowadays, Nowruz, the feast of the new beginning, is celebrated in11 states. It is no coincidence that it is listed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 21 March is declared the International Day of Nowruz.

More about Nowruz in Iran you can find HERE: