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  • In March 2011, Navroz was celebrated for the first time at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
    The Ismaili | 14 April 2011 | Global

    Navroz celebrated for the first time at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe

    In March 2011, Navroz was celebrated for the first time at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe. Courtesy of AKDN Tajikistan
  • AKDN Resident Representative for Tajikistan Munir Merali addresses the Navroz gathering at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
    The Ismaili | 14 April 2011 | Global

    Navroz celebrated for the first time at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe

    AKDN Resident Representative for Tajikistan Munir Merali addresses the Navroz gathering at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe. Courtesy of AKDN Tajikistan
  • Traditional dance performances were part of the Navroz festivities at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe.
    The Ismaili | 14 April 2011 | Global

    Navroz celebrated for the first time at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe

    Traditional dance performances were part of the Navroz festivities at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe. Courtesy of AKDN Tajikistan
Related Information
Gallery: First-ever celebration of Navroz at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe

In celebration of Navroz, the Aga Khan Development Network hosted a reception at the Ismaili Centre, Dushanbe. Over 300 people attended the celebration, which was held on 20 March 2011 and was the first Navroz event ever held at the Centre.

 

Tajik Government and Parliament officials, Ambassadors, heads of international organisations in Dushanbe, and Jamati members were in attendance. They were welcomed to the Ismaili Centre by volunteers in Tajik national dress and uniformed scouts. Exhibitions of paintings by prominent Tajik artists and handicraft artwork in front of the social hall added to the festive atmosphere.

“This is the first time we are celebrating Navroz together at the Ismaili Centre,” noted Munir Merali, the AKDN Resident Representative for Tajikistan in his opening remarks. “Navroz means new day and is a celebration of not only physical revival, but also spiritual. The festival of Navroz is now recognised by the United Nations and many international organisations and countries celebrate it.”

Navroz originated in Iran and is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world. In Tajikistan, it is of great cultural significance.

The event continued with performances by Tajik classical and folk musicians and dancers, showcasing the country's cultural diversity. Afterwards, guests were invited to join a reception. Over one hundred Jamati volunteers and AKDN agency staff worked together in preparation of the event, which was highly commended by the attendees.