We began as mineral. We emerged into plant life, and into the animal state, and then into being human, and always we have forgotten our former states, except in early spring when we slightly recall being green again. -Rumi

On March 20th, Persians – and others from lands spanning Central Asia and India – celebrated Nowruz, a three-millennium old tradition welcoming the beginning of the new year in the Persian solar calendar, marked by the vernal equinox. Reflecting on spring themes, Nowruz celebrates renewal, balance, and new beginnings. While Nowruz has its roots in ancient Zoroastrian religion, it is now celebrated as a secular holiday by people across various cultures and religions. 

The Mossavar-Rahmani Center hosted and supported two events to celebrate the Persian New Year for members of the campus community and beyond. 

Eight days following the Oscar Awards, where Iranian directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani of the Oscar-winning animation, in “The Shadow of the Cypress,” landed in Los Angeles a mere three hours before the red-carpet celebrations, Iranian members of the Rastak Music Group landed at JFK airport within days, not hours, of a Nowruz performance and celebration in Richardson Auditorium. Mossavar-Rahmani staff didn’t receive confirmation of final visa approval for one of its members until two days prior to departure. In fact, one of the band members was unable to join, as his visa was not issued on time.

Meanwhile, staff was on edge as to whether to cancel the performance, which had already been pushed back by a week, into spring break. Once they received confirmation that the penultimate passport was stamped, staff publicized the performance far and wide, having less than seven days to bring together an audience. 

Fortunately, given the cultural significance of the Persian New Year along with Rastak’s notoriety, guests filled nearly sixty-five percent of the approximately 800-seat auditorium. Some groups traveled for up to two hours to attend the band’s premier U.S. performance. One community member, Maryam, who had shared the event details with her community, expressed her thanks for bringing together so many Persian families who hadn’t gone back home for many years. “Everyone was hugging each other and offering best wishes for the new year. I want to especially thank the Mossavar-Rahmani Center and its co-sponsors for making it possible for guests from other countries to be part of such a beautiful event and for bringing Iranian art and culture to campus with Rastak’s performance,” she said. 

Rastak, as noted on its website, is one of the most well-known bands in Iranian contemporary folk music, originally formed as an experimental music group in 1997. The group collects, records, and interprets Iranian folk music for a global audience, incorporating language, culture, and history with traditional instruments and contemporary rhythms. The performance, “Tales of Earth and Sun,” was titled following Rastak’s latest album release of the same name. The pieces are a musical journal through Kurdistan, Lorestan, Balochistan, Hormozgan, and Afghanistan. The group also played some classical Nowruz pieces. Rastak’s third album, “Sorna-ye Nowruz,” is dedicated to the holiday.   

The Mossavar-Rahmani Center is very grateful for the collaboration with campus administrative partners, particularly with the Davis Center and Global Financial Services. The evening left many with feelings of joy, connection, and renewal. 

In the words of Molayemi, “…if we persevere and remain faithful, miracles do happen.”

Continuing with the Nowruz celebrations, Princeton University’s Iranian Student’s Association (ISA), supported by the Center, hosted a Persian New Year celebration the following Friday.

Over 140 guests from 15 different countries joined the festivity, making it a truly international gathering of joy, culture, and tradition. The evening began with guests socializing and connecting, setting the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable night.

As the celebration unfolded, guests engaged with the rich history of Nowruz, through the telling of stories on its origins and the symbolism of the Haft-Seen table — a stunning display of Persian traditions that symbolize renewal and the arrival of spring with seven items whose names begin with the letter S (Haft-Sin, translated as “seven” and “S” in Farsi). At 8:00 PM, guests gathered for a symbolic countdown, ringing in the New Year and welcoming the rebirth of nature. Adding to the excitement was the sharing of delicious Persian cuisine, savoring the flavors of Ghormesabzi, Gheyme-Bademjoon, Zereshk-Polo ba Morgh, and more.

The night’s highlight was the yogurt-eating contest, where six brave participants competed with great humor and spirit. Following the contest, guests engaged in one of two vibrant activities: one crowd danced to lively Persian music, while others immersed themselves in engaging conversations about ancient Persia, exchanging stories, and forging new friendships.

The evening ended with a feeling of fulfillment following the celebration of unity, tradition, and the promise of new beginnings. It was a memorable night marking the year 1404 SH (Solar Hijri), filled with laughter, music, and lasting

This world’s existence is one night long. There’s a great lively gathering that night, but some people sleep through it. -Rumi