Biden, Blinken Extend Nowruz Wishes

President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, have extended greetings for Nowruz, emphasizing its growing significance within American culture.

The President noted the significance of the festival for expat Iranian communities across the United States who have turned the celebration into “a joyful part of American culture”. Around half a million to a million expats now live in the US, the largest in the world outside Iran.

Addressing the challenges faced by many this year, President Biden emphasized the importance of hope, stating, “the United States will continue to stand with the courageous women of Iran, who are fighting for their freedoms. And together with our partners, we will hold Iranian officials to account for denying fundamental human rights.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also joined in the Nowruz festivities, posting a picture of the Haft-Seen spread and expressing his wishes, saying, “Happy Nowruz to all celebrating the arrival of spring and new beginnings. May we cherish the bonds of family and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.”

Nowruz, celebrated across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, holds deep cultural significance as it welcomes the spring season and the New Year in the Persian calendar.

Nowruz is a cultural event marked by age-old rituals like the Haft-Seen table arrangement and joyful gatherings.

Reports affirm that Nowruz transcends regional boundaries, uniting people in celebration irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.

The festivity has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.