The festival of Nowruz is being observed today (Monday) across the country to mark the beginning of the spring season and the new Persian year. It is the first festival of its kind celebrated by followers of different religions including Parsis, Muslims, Christians, and to some extent Hindus as well. Marking the Persian New Year, the festival heralds spring and the season of harvest.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Nowruz Day in 2010. As part of the cultural tradition, people sow plants and congregate in festivities with music, dance and food. Before Islam was propagated in this land, Nowruz was a national event. It symbolises new beginnings and starts with prayers for peace and prosperity.
Different events were held in twin cities Islamabad Rawalpindi and Lahore. Similarly, one of the major events concerning the festival was held in a local hotel on Sunday which was participated by diplomats of different countries – particularly Central Asian states – and key officials of the federal government.
Nowruz is celebrated by people in Iran, Zoroastrians, and other branches of the Shia sect, particularly Ismailis and Bohras who trace their roots from Iran.
It marks the beginning of a new year and the first day of spring. “It signifies a time of spiritual renewal and physical rejuvenation, as well as a spirit of gratitude for blessings and an outlook of hope and optimism,” said Syed Sibtain Shah from Hunza valley located in the northern region of the country.
Nowruz carries special significance for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan as they celebrate it with traditional fervour, zeal and zest. An event named Jashn-e-Nowruz is celebrated across the valley where pipe-band, scouts and local drummers demonstrate their performances to enthral the audience.
To mark the day, men, women and youngsters wear new clothes and go to relatives and friends’ houses to greet them. Households also prepare traditional dishes to serve the guests.
Talking about celebrating the festival in Sindh, seasoned historian Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Manjhi said that Nowruz had its roots in the history of Sindh, adding that the tradition of celebrating this festival was set into motion during the regime of Durranis. “Since the Durranis were from Afghanistan they used to celebrate it, especially in Shikarpur and Karachi,” Manjhi mentioned. This festival gained special importance during the regimes of Shah Shuja and Ahmed Ali Abdali.
He revealed that people from Sindh used to travel to Afghanistan and Iran to take part in the celebrations of Nowruz.
With the start of the new year, people in some districts of Sindh start ploughing their fields, planting trees and cleaning water channels.
The festival brings the message of harmony, peace, renewal, and rebirth.
