Historic First Persian New Year (Nowruz) Celebration in NY State Capitol a Huge Success

View Photos and Video of Senators and Guests Celebrating Nowruz in the Capitol Here (Credit: Senate Media Services)

On March 20th, 2019, State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Great Neck) welcomed over 100 guests from Long Island and across New York State for the very first Official Celebration of Nowruz, or Persian New Year, in the New York State Capitol.

"As the first Persian-American elected to the New York State Legislature, it is my distinct honor and privilege to share the traditions of Persian culture with my colleagues in government and residents across New York. Nowruz is the most important celebration of all Persian holidays, embodying a wealth of ancient rites and customs, and this celebration in our State Capitol symbolizes the continuity of our ancient culture which has endured adversity over thousands of years," said Senator Anna M. Kaplan.

Guests traveled from across the state to join the celebration and witness the passage of a resolution (J587) in the New York State Senate commemorating Day of Nowruz (Persian New Year) in New York State for the very first time. Immediately following the Senate Session, Senator Kaplan welcomed her Senate Majority Colleagues and her guests to celebrate the New Year around a traditional haft-sin table, with its many symbolic elements.

Alireza Hedayati, President of Iranian American Society of New York, said "It was one of the most proud moments for all of us at Iranian American Society of New York, Inc. (IAS) to join Senator Anna Kaplan to proclaim Nowruz officially in the State of New York before a special senate session. This event was long overdue for our community and today we became a true part of New York State."

“As I took the long journey to Albany from Great Neck on a bus packed with excited children and their parents, I kept saying to myself ‘this must be a dream,'” said Fariba Mobasser of Great Neck. “This holiday has such a special meaning for all of us, and to see our culture recognized and celebrated in this official capacity for the very first time, I was filled with indescribable pride. This event truly sends a message to us all that this is a country where all of your dreams can come true if you work for them.”