Celebrated by millions around the world, Nowruz symbolizes renewal, rejuvenation, and the onset of Spring in the Northern hemisphere
BURR RIDGE, Ill. — FEZANA, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, today announced Zoroastrians throughout North America will celebrate Nowruz, the official start of the Vernal equinox on Sunday, March 20, amid underlying political tension challenging democracies and freedom around the world.
Following two years of social isolation and virtual gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nowruz this year marks a special opportunity for Zoroastrians, and all who celebrate this revered and auspicious day, to gather with loved ones, attend communal celebrations and offer prayers for peace in an increasingly hostile world.
“This Nowruz, Zoroastrians across North America, like millions of worshippers and communities around the world, are praying for peace, independence and freedom for the courageous people of Ukraine,” said FEZANA President Arzan Sam Wadia. “From Ukraine to Aleppo, Palestine to Grozny, and parts of Africa and China, we oppose evil and totalitarianism in all its ugly forms. We pray the spirit and message of Nowruz continues to transcend nations and borders, and we welcome a new day in every sense of the word, particularly for those who are displaced, suffering and hurting for simply wanting to live free and in peace.”
Wadia said FEZANA will mark the occasion through its next-generation wing, Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA), who will hold a special (virtual) Nowruz concert featuring performances by talented Zoroastrian musicians and vocalists across North America today, March 18, at 9 p.m. (EDT). Other activities include community prayers and celebrations at FEZANA member associations and small groups across Canada and the United States, museum exhibits, tree plantings and family gatherings.
“May this Nowruz bring our community happiness, peace, and prosperity,” said Erv. Arda-e-viraf Minocherhomjee, President, North American Mobeds Council. “May Ahura Mazda help those who are suffering, and grant wisdom to the political leaders to solve contentious problems peacefully through negotiation.”
This summer, July 1-4, FEZANA and the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) will host the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City, attracting and uniting Zoroastrians from across the globe. The event returns to the United States after 22 years and is expected to attract more than 1,500 attendees.
Zoroastrians are followers of one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions founded by the prophet Zarathushtra more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Iran. Zoroastrians have long served as bridge builders in interfaith dialogue, believing in truth, righteousness, charity, beneficence, respect and care for the environment, and the triumph of good over evil. Zoroastrianism flourished as the imperial religion of three Persian empires, those of the Achaemenians, Parthians and Sassanians, and was the dominant religion from Turkey and eastward to China during those times. North America’s Zoroastrian community includes those who arrived from the Indian subcontinent, known as Parsis, and those who came directly from Iran seeking religious freedom.
About FEZANA
Founded in 1987, the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) represents a diverse and growing Zarathushti community in the western diaspora. Guided by the blessings of Ahura Mazda and the teachings of prophet Zarathushtra, the non-profit federation serves as the coordinating body for 27 Zoroastrian associations and 14 corresponding groups in Canada and the United States. The activities of FEZANA are conducted in a spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and unity among all member associations, and with due regard for the Zarathushti principles of goodness, truth, reason, benevolence, implicit trust and charity toward all mankind. Visit www.fezana.org and follow FEZANA on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @TheFEZANA.
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Contact:
Jim Engineer
FEZANA
630.728.1387
[email protected]
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