DUSHANBE, March 21, 2009, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan is marking the Navrouz holiday today. This ancient and glorious tradition marking rebirth of nature is one of the most favorite holidays in Tajikistan.
Navrouz, which literary means New Day in Persian, Dari and Tajik languages, is the traditional Iranian new year holiday celebrated by Iranian and many other peoples. It marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox (the start of spring in the northern hemisphere), which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed.
The term Navrouz first appeared in Persian records in the second century AD, but it was also an important day during the time of the Achaemenids (648-330 BC), where kings from different nations under the Persian Empire used to bring gifts to the emperor (Shahanshah) of Persia on Navrouz.
Today, the festival of Navrouz is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, as well as Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and many other countries.
A major tradition of Navrouz is Haft Sin or the seven ”S”s. The haft sin table includes seven specific items starting with the letter ”S”. The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them. The Haft Sin has evolved over time, but has kept its symbolism. Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sin table as they can.
The Haft Sin items are: subzi – wheat, barley ore lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing rebirth; sumanak – a sweet pudding made from whet germs – symbolizing affluence; sanjid – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing love; sir – garlic – symbolizing medicine; seb – apple
– symbolizing beauty and health; sumoq – sumac berries – symbolizing (the color of) sunrise; and serko- vinegar – symbolizing age and patience.
This year, the main celebrations to mark the Navrouz festival will be held at the Dushanbe Central Stadium from March 21-22.
A theatrical show, Navrouz 2009, is being held at the Dushanbe stadium today.
Gushtingiri (Tajik national wrestling) competitions and other sports activities will be held at the central stadium on March 22. The same day, various cultural activities and street festivities will be organized in all areas of Dushanbe.
Dear friends! We congratulate you on this beautiful holiday that marks rebirth of nature, as well as love, friendship and hope in people! Navrouzaton muborak!
