SR 24: Relative to Nowroz.

WHEREAS, Nowroz, the day of the vernal equinox, is celebrated as the beginning of the traditional new year by more than 300,000,000 people around the world. It is celebrated on the exact day of the astronomical northward equinox, which occurs on or around March 21; and

WHEREAS, Since 2010, the United Nations has designated March 21 as the International Day of Nowroz; and

WHEREAS, Nowroz is a combination of two Dari words: the first, “now,” means new, and the second, “roz,” means day. Together they mean “new day,” which commemorates the new year for many Afghan and Central Asian communities all over the world; and

WHEREAS, The “new day” symbolizes a commitment to springtime renewal, peace, and overall solidarity between generations, families, and communities. Nowroz symbolizes a time of renewal and community. It harkens the departure from the trials and tribulations of the previous year, and brings hope for the new year; and

WHEREAS, During Nowroz, people visit family, reconnect with community members, forgive past wrongs, and exchange gifts as a sign of peace and friendship, and these festivities last multiple days; and

WHEREAS, Nowroz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in many countries, such as the United States, Afghanistan, Albania (by Bektashi Muslims), Armenia (by Iranian Armenians, Kurds, and Yezidis), Azerbaijan, Bangladesh (by Bangladeshi Shia Muslims and others), China (by Tajiks and Turkic peoples), Georgia (by Azerbaijanis), India (by Iranis, Parsis, and some Indian Muslims), Iran, Iraq (by Kurds and Turkmens), Israel (by Persian Jews, Kurdish Jews, Mountain Jews, and Bukharan Jews), Kashmir, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Northern Cyprus, Pakistan (by Balochs, Baltis, Iranis, Parsis, and Pashtuns), Russia (by Tabasarans), Syria (by Kurds), Tajikistan, Turkey (by Azerbaijanis, Kurds, and Yoruks), Turkmenistan, Ukraine (by Crimean Tatars), and Uzbekistan; and

WHEREAS, Nowroz is celebrated by Americans of all backgrounds, including those with Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and nonreligious backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Nowroz, as the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions, plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighborliness; and

WHEREAS, Nowroz serves to remind the United States of the many lasting contributions of the Persian civilization to the world and the noteworthy impact of Afghan Americans and Iranians to the social and economic fabric of society in the United States, including one of the earliest expressions of human rights in the world—the Cylinder of Cyrus the Great. The United States Census Bureau reports that the largest population of Afghans outside of Afghanistan is in California and that 54 percent of Iranian immigrants in America live in California; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Nowroz Day at the enterprise of several countries that uphold this global tradition, and the first global Nowroz festival, held the same year, serves to remind us of the many noteworthy and lasting contributions of Persian culture to the ever-growing social and economic tapestry of our country. After thousands of years in the making, Nowroz remains beloved, universal, and deeply embedded in Persian culture; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate joins all communities throughout the state in celebrating the Spring Equinox, recognizes March 21, 2025, as the International Day of Nowroz, and extends best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Nowroz to all Californians; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.