Wednesday, Mar 21, 2012
Gulf News
Dubai Iranians and the Persian influenced communities welcomed the New Year or Nowruz at 9:14:27 am yesterday, the time of the vernal equinox regarded as auspicious.
They marked the occasion with the ceremonious Haft-Seen, the traditional table set with items that represent new life like Nowruz, which means New Day.
Haft-Seen with its symbolic seven items is an important aspect of the celebration, said Iranian Behman Tahmasbi, a restaurateur in Dubai. He explained that Haft is seven and Seen is the Persian letter ‘s’. The items symbolise various aspects including rebirth, health, beauty and medicine. Some place sonbol [hyacinth], seeb [apple], somagh [sumac], seer [garlic], serkeh [vinegar], sekeh [coins], sabzeh [dish of germinated seeds], or senjed [olives] on the table.”
He explained that Nowruz is traditionally a large celebration with close and extended family. “We gather around Haft-Seen at the family home. Elders exchange gifts whereas children are often given money. The main dish served is Sabzi Polo Mahi, a rice preparation with fish.” Abdullah Abunajmi, an Iranian manager from a Dubai trading company said the same rituals are followed in the UAE. “Perhaps what is different is the role of extended family. In Iran, the celebrations are on a bigger scale,” he said.
Roozbeh Saedi, an Iranian senior sales executive, said the moment of transition into the New Year is called Sal Tahvil. “It means change in the year. After the New Year is announced, we wish each other. A family member will pass sweets. The eldest will place new coins in the Holy Book. Many communities celebrate Nowruz, not only Iranian.”
Speaking of the day’s significance among Afghans, Turks, Tajiks, Kurds, Azerbaijanis, Uzbeks and Iraqis, Sara Kadir, a Kurd from Northern Iraq who lives in Dubai said the day is observed differently by Kurds.
“An old custom is to light bonfires using old car tyres in the nearby mountains. It is a national holiday that lasts for four days. Families go for picnics wearing traditional clothes and dance to folk music.”
In Dubai, apart from traditional activities, Nowruz was also celebrated with concerts featuring Iranian classical musician Sima Bina and Iranian musician Rana Farhan. “The Dubai Dolphinarium had show by illusionist Max Stevenson, and a dolphin and seal show. We also had the largest Haft-Seen table in the UAE,” said Ripa Hovsepyan, the media contact of the indoor entertainment facility.
By Carolina DSouza?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
