For over 3,000 years, Nawruz, the Iranian New Year, has been celebrated by more than 300 million people all around the world, including the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It is a secular holiday enjoyed by people of different faiths but remains a holy day for Zoroastrian and Baha’i faith communities.
Nawruz is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March. However, the date can shift either a day ahead or behind based on the movement of the sun and planets. This year, it was on March 21.
It marks the first day of spring. The return of spring has a great spiritual significance, representing the triumph of good over evil and joy over sorrow, stated Near Neighbours Programme in Luton.
The Luton Baha’i Community celebrated Nawruz with full fervour, after a gap of 3 years due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.
C of E Bishop Richard Atkinson said, “In Luton, we have seen how time and again people from diverse backgrounds have united to reach out to one another. We pray long may it continue.”
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Black Lives Matter, Climate Justice COP 26 & 27, Ukraine War, and the ongoing cost of living and Refugee crisis, everyone is hoping for a better world. As we celebrate Nawruz (New Year), we wish for a better world for everyone.
Commenting on the plight of Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Farzad Forghani of the Luton Baha’i community said, “They are the most exploited and vulnerable group at the moment. World governments are trying to push them from one place to the other. This is not right when they are already displaced. Governments must tackle the root causes of their displacement.”
Gulie Butcher, Vice-chair of the Luton Council of Faiths, praised Luton for its sense of community in addressing such global and local issues. While savouring the incredible spread of delectable cuisine and Persian rice, she wished the Baha'i community in Luton a very Happy New Year and desired that everyone may have good health and prosperity in this New Year.
A song led by Micheala Smith, a member of the Baha'i community, brought the programme to a close. All joined in singing together the words - “One People, One Planet, There is no reason why we cannot live together peacefully.”
For more information on the Luton Bahá’í community, please visit: http://www.bahaisofluton.org/
Gulie Butcher, Vice Chair of the Luton Council of Faiths (L) & Farzad Forghani of the Luton Baha’i Community (R) join Bollywood Vibes dancers after their splendid performance.
Members from Luton’s different faith communities, dignitaries, and Bollywood Vibes Dancers join together for Nawruz Celebrations held by the Luton Baha’i Community on 26th March 2023.