Dear compatriots,
With great pride, I congratulate all of you on the arrival of Navruz and sincerely hope that you celebrate it with joy and happiness.
The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, has emphasized the importance and status of Navruz in Tajik civilization, stating:
"Navruz is a book of destiny for the Tajik nation. Even in the most difficult periods of history, our ancestors protected this sacred and blessed festival, and through Navruz, they revived their lives."
Indeed, Navruz is our greatest cultural event and national festival. As far back as 538 BCE, Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, celebrated Navruz as a national holiday of our people, a recognition acknowledged by many nations. Navruz is both the oldest and largest cultural festival in the world, connecting people across humanity who value kindness, wisdom, and humanistic ideals.
Approximately three thousand years ago, in the sacred book of our ancestors, the Avesta, it was commanded that all humanity should celebrate Navruz each spring, marking the emergence of life on Earth. This command of Zoroaster has been observed for thousands of years.
During the Achaemenid period (600–330 BCE), Navruz was celebrated with great splendor at the Throne of Jamshid, where everything was designed to honor this festival. Stone carvings on the Throne of Jamshid depict 23 peoples of the empire alongside royal horses, chariots, and soldiers, celebrating the festival in grandeur.
During the Sassanid era (224–651 CE), Navruz was celebrated in an even wider geographical area. The Samanid era (875–999 CE) continued this tradition, with Navruz being observed magnificently across many regions.
Thanks to the independence of Tajikistan and the tireless efforts of our Leader, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, with the support of other countries, Navruz has now gained unprecedented international recognition.
On February 19, 2010, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring Navruz an International Holiday, officially recognizing March 21 as International Navruz Day. In his speech on March 21, 2016, the then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated:
"Navruz extinguishes religious conflicts, removes all forms of division, and unites the world community with good will."
Indeed, Navruz plays an effective role in promoting cooperation, peace, friendship, and mutual understanding among peoples, serving as a powerful instrument for dialogue between civilizations. Its significance continues to grow internationally.
With these noble intentions, once again I extend my congratulations to you, dear compatriots, on the arrival of Navruz, and I wish each of you the joy of spring and an enduring Navruz spirit.
