Held on 25 March at the K-Hotel in Seocho-gu
The Central Asian New Spring Festival "Navruz", hosted by the Embassy of Tajikistan in Korea, was held on 25 March at the K-Hotel in Seocho-gu with the participation of ambassadors from the Navruz region, about 200 business heads, representatives of related organisations, and Tajik citizensns in Seoul.
H.E. Kirom Salohidin, Tajik ambassador to Korea made a welcoming speech followed by congratulatory speeches by Mr. Lee Jong -kook, Executive Vice President of the Korea foundation and also by Mr. Kim Ji-sung Director-General of ichcap, UNESCO. All the guests were facinated by a beautiful Tajik singer's exotic tune in traditional Tajik costume, and were invited to sit around a round table and enjoy Tajik food in a natural atmosphere. The following is the full text of welcoming speech by H.E. Kirom Salohiddin, Tajik ambassador to Korea.
We are gathered here today to celebrate the joyous occasion of Navruz, one of the most sacred and revered national holidays in Tajikistan. I extend my sincere congratulations to all of you on this special occasion.
I would also like to welcome the Ambassadors of the Navruz region, Heads of Korean companies, representatives of organizations, and Tajik citizens.
Having this opportunity, I wish every family good health, happiness, new achievements, and the abundance and fertility associated with Navruz.
Navruz is a spring festival with a rich history dating back thousands of years. While there are legends attributing its establishment to Jamshid-i Peshdadi, historical evidence suggests it may be even older. The word Navruz itself means "New Day" and symbolizes the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new year.
In the late 1980s, Navruz celebrations were officially recognized by the Government of Tajikistan, with March 21st declared a national holiday.
After Tajikistan's independence in 1991, thanks to wise policy of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon and his tireless efforts, Navruz gained even greater prominence, with celebrations expanding in magnificence and splendor. The holiday was extended up to one week, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the traditions.
The importance of Navruz extends beyond Tajikistan's borders. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st the International Day of Nowruz. Navruz was also inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a testament to its shared significance across multiple countries, including Tajikistan.
At its core, Navruz is about celebrating peace, tolerance, and new beginnings. It transcends religious affiliation and social status, uniting people in their reverence for nature and their hopes for a prosperous future. The arrival of Navruz brings not only the beauty of spring but also the promise of a fresh start.
We are proud that Navruz, with its six-thousand-year history, continues to be deeply rooted in our hearts and minds. It serves as a powerful reminder of our heritage and provides a sense of cultural connection across generations. Even in the 21st century, amidst rapid technological advancements, Navruz remains a vital source of spiritual and social connection for our people.
May I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. May you always be successful and flourish like spring, like Navruz itself.
Navruzaton piruz bod! (May your Navruz be blessed!)
Har Ruzaton Navruz bod! (May every day be a Navruz for you!)
I thank you!
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The legend of the origin of the Navruz festival tells us that when the great King Jamshid defeated the evil god who had sent drought and famine to humans, the dry grass turned green and the world was filled with greenery again, and those who saw it exclaimed, "A new day has come." The festival of Navruz is celebrated to commemorate the day when King Jamshid took abundance from the evil gods and returned it to humans.
In Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, which use the Iranian calendar, New Year's Day falls on 21 March instead of 1 January, and is celebrated for about two weeks with many rituals and cultural events. One of the most important traditions is to gather with loved ones around a "table" decorated with symbols of purity, life, survival, and wealth, and eat special dishes.