The programme aims to entertain, educate and delight, ensuring that since Navroz cannot be celebrated in the way we are accustomed to, that we can still come together virtually to celebrate this season of spiritual renewal and physical rejuvenation as One Jamat.
The Ismaili TV’s Navroz celebration will include a children’s programme called Hafiz and the Haft Seen Adventure. Presented in English, Urdu, Farsi, Arabic, French, and Portuguese, this programme will follow Hafiz, who has been put in charge of the Haft Seen table for Navroz. He wants to prove he can rise to the challenge all by himself, without including his little sister Zahra. Modar Kalon reads them the story of the lost signs of Spring, leading the siblings on an imaginary scavenger hunt for the seven items they need to free them from their winter blues. Along their journey, they learn the significance of each of the seven items from familiar friends and discover the true meaning of this special festival.
An original film produced for The Ismaili TV will also feature during the Navroz programme. Entitled Pebbles to Penguins - A Story of Renewal, it tells the story of Zoya, a healthcare professional who finds herself struggling with uncertainty and anxiety during the pandemic. Covering her life from Navroz 2020 to Navroz 2021, the film uses music and poetry to explore her physical and mental health, touching on the initial isolation and fear, and moving on to coping skills, hope, and connection through family and community. Over the span of a few months, comical conversations with her family and “slice of life” scenes reveal different aspects of her life.
Hope Springs Eternal, an inspirational and educational programme will explore the meaning and history of Navroz, touching on the diverse ways in which the festival is celebrated in different parts of the world, and the significance of the Haft Seen. The show focuses on messages of rebirth, rejuvenation, and hope for the future, particularly as we can begin to imagine our lives beyond the pandemic. It incorporates verses of the Qur’an, quotes from Mawlana Hazar Imam, and devotional poetry from the Persian, Arabic and South Asian traditions. The programme will be presented in English, Hindi, Farsi, Arabic, English with French subtitles, and English with Portuguese subtitles.
Throughout the two days, additional programmes will also feature, including concerts by Noor Band, a Tajik musical group; Jubilee Arts Band from Syria; and the UK’s Ismaili Community Ensemble. A film entitled AKDN - Touching Lives will be presented, which was produced in 2016, giving a glimpse into the work of AKDN through a series of live interviews and short video clips of the speeches of Mawlana Hazar Imam.
For more information on these programmes and to see the schedule for your region, visit the.ismaili/Navroz2021. Mark the dates and times in your calendar and prepare to celebrate Navroz as One Jamat, Together At Home.
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View the schedule of the Navroz programme in your region at the.ismaili/Navroz2021. Stay up to date by subscribing to our email newsletters and following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
