Paris (Web Desk): Pakistan, in collaboration with 12 other countries, celebrated culturally significant festival of Nowruz at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO)Headquarters in Paris, France.
The event brought together diplomats, dignitaries, and community members, showcasing the rich heritage of Nowruz festival.
Nowruz, a festival marking the arrival of spring, symbolizes peace, friendship, and renewal around the world.
It is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and was jointly registered by Pakistan with 12 other countries.
The celebrations featured traditional music and performances, with cultural and food exhibitions that showcased the diverse customs and traditions of the participating countries.
The celebrations not only highlighted the importance of cultural diversity, but also reinforced the spirit of unity among countries over food and music.
A special ceremony was also held at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark International Day of Nowruz.
On this occasion, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram underscored the importance of Nowruz, which heralds the onset of the festive spring season, saying the event symbolizes the spirit of renewal, self-reflection and gratitude.
He said that Nowruz reminds us that just as the Indus has flowed through the ages, carrying the legacy of our ancestors, so too must we carry forward the traditions of unity, peace, and cultural richness.
“As the earth awakens from its winter slumber and the colours of spring return, we welcome Nowruz—a festival of renewal, resilience, and togetherness,” Ambassador Akram said.
The ceremony was sponsored by Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his heartfelt greetings to all those celebrating Nowruz in Pakistan and around the world.
In his message on the occasion, the premiersaid that Nowruz is a symbol of the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature, the prime minister.
He said it is a time to express gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon humanity and to share hopes and wishes for the new year.
“On this joyful occasion, I am especially grateful to our brothers and sisters in Pakistan, particularly those from the Parsi community, who have played an important role in the development and progress of Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said.
Nowruz marks the beginning of the Iranian New Year, a time to welcome the new year with new hopes and aspirations.
“Let us all come together today and make this Nowruz a day to promote unity, foster inclusion, and enhance regional and cultural harmony, while working to eliminate mutual differences,” PM Shehbaz Sharif added.
It is pertinent to mention that an estimated 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nowruz, which is also inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
