WHEREAS, NowRoz, the day of the vernal equinox, is celebrated as the beginning of the traditional new year by more than 300 million people around the world. 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. It is celebrated on the exact day of the astronomical northward equinox, which occurs on March 21 or the following day where it is observed; 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, 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, Since 2010, the United Nations has designated March 21 as the International Day of NowRoz; 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 to the social and economic fabric of society in the United States. The United States Census reports the largest population of Afghans outside of Afghanistan to be 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