Iran Press/ Asia: The opening ceremony of the two-day International Cultural Festival on the eve of spring and the ancient celebration of Nowruz today with the presence of General Mohammad Jafar, Rector of the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), foreign diplomats including Ehsan Khazaei, Cultural attache of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hamaneh Karimikia, Head of Public Diplomacy and Media of Iran Embassy in Islamabad, Dr. Safeer Awan Head of Persian Language and Literature Department of NUML University, the Academia; The professors and students of the mentioned university were held.
The ceremony began with the visit of the Rector of NUML University and foreign guests to the booths present, including the booth of Nowruz and Iranian civilization, and then several happy programs and traditional music were performed. Khazaei, Iran's cultural attache in Pakistan, welcomed the president of NUML University and other foreign guests to its pavilion and briefed them on Iranian civilization, customs, and traditions, especially the ancient celebration of Nowruz. Many Pakistani and international students from different countries, professors, and those interested in Iranian civilization welcomed the Nowruz pavilion with local and national culture, tourist attractions, the introduction of Iranian food, and souvenirs.
In the Nowruz pavilion of Iran, which has been set up for two days by the efforts of the Iranian Cultural Council in Islamabad, pictures of popular celebrations during Nowruz with handicrafts were also displayed.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the International Culture Festival, several art groups from different countries performed cultural and traditional programs.
Ehsan Khazaei, the Cultural attache of the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, said at the ceremony: "On the eve of spring and Nowruz, we congratulate this ancient event and common heritage to the people of Nowruz region, especially the two friendly and brotherly countries of Iran and Pakistan, as well as all Persian speakers in the world."
He added: "Countries in the region, including Persian-speaking countries, celebrate Nowruz celebrations with special enthusiasm."
Explaining in detail how Nowruz celebrations are held in Pakistan, Khazaei added: "Our country's cultural advisor in Islamabad, with the cooperation of some cultural figures and literary groups, will hold special celebrations and ceremonies during Nowruz."
Noting that the spring and Nowruz celebrations are a common element between Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and some other countries, he added: "The display of Iranian customs and culture in Pakistan and countries that are familiar with the Persian language is very welcome and accompanied by students and Muslim people of these countries."
Dr. Hamaneh Karimi-Kia, Head of Public Diplomacy and Media section of Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, referred to the Festival as an opportunity to introduce Iran's rich culture and civilization, especially the Nowruz tradition. She added that Iran and Pakistan have many cultural commonalities, which today we celebrate.
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