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speech of Iran Ambassador in Nowruz Celebration in Prague

In the name of God, creature of Life and Insight

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen, my Dear Fellow Iranians,

It is a true pleasure and honor to welcome you all today. I am deeply grateful for your presence as we come together to celebrate Nowruz,, the Iranian New Year and the joyful arrival of spring—here in the beautiful city of Prague. Thank you for joining us.

Nowruz has been celebrated for thousands of years, right at the moment of the vernal equinox—the first day of spring. This ancient tradition spans a wide cultural landscape, from Central Asia to the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, from Transoxiana to Mesopotamia, from the Hindu Kush and the Indian subcontinent to Anatolia and beyond. Today, more than 300 million people around the world take part in this vibrant celebration.

But Nowruz is much more than a celebration of the seasons. It is a living symbol of our shared cultural heritage—a tradition that for over 3,000 years has united communities across borders through its values, symbols, and spirit.

Nowruz speaks to the human soul. It honors the renewal of life, the beauty of nature, and the power of beginnings. It encourages harmony with the earth, peace among people, and friendship across nations. It is a bridge between generations, and a bond among diverse peoples who share this cultural legacy.

In recognition of its profound meaning, Nowruz was inscribed in 2009 on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And since then, March 21st has been celebrated as the International Day of Nowruz in the United Nations calendar.

Importantly, Nowruz also marks the start of the official Iranian calendar year. On this occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to my fellow Iranians—may the year ahead bring you health, peace, and prosperity.

The spirit of Nowruz has also inspired generations of artists, writers, and musicians. Its essence is deeply woven into our poetry, music, storytelling, and performance traditions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to introduce Ms. Bahareh Jahandoust, a master of Naghali—the traditional Iranian art of storytelling. Through her performance today, she will bring to life the roots and meaning of Nowruz, drawing from the Shahnameh by Ferdowsi., an epic that has preserved the soul of Persian culture and language for over a thousand years.

Before I conclude,

 I would like to thank the ECO Cultural Institute,..the cultural arm of the Economic Cooperation Organization, for sharing today’s showcases, the visual stories of Nowruz traditions across the region.

 I also extend my deep appreciation to the Prague Conservatory for their kind collaboration in organizing today’s event.

Thank you all, and once again, Nowruz Mobarak.