Celebration of the Afghan, Iranian and Persian diaspora New Year and arrival of Spring

 

Nowruz is the national New Year festivity celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Kurdish regions of Iraq, Turkey and Syria, and throughout Central Asia. It begins at the spring equinox - the moment when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length.

The Sports’ Hall at Stanmore College was filled with tables of traditional dishes from these countries, herb-laden feasts, cakes, cookies, drinks and sweets supplied by our fantastic students, mainly ESOL and foundation students but supplies also came from art, and students and staff from other areas across college. Well done to all for the tremendous effort invested in making it such a wonderful celebration with eye-watering food for everyone.

20 trestle tables were occupied in the hall; one ESOL student even brought in yellow and blue ice-cream from his ice-cream business. Other tables displayed hand-made jewellery and unique facemasks and hair scrunches, henna tattooing, a student’s home-made lip balm and multiple decorations.

   

Some attendees wore colourful traditional dress which contributed to the high-spirited atmosphere. Art student, Niusha Grandomcar, had specially made a beautiful mirror adorned with the symbols of Nowruz.

A raffle ensued with in the region of 32 different prizes to be won, all of which had been donated by the generosity of students and staff.

All present at College today were welcomed and enjoyed treats galore and the buzz of the festivities in celebration of the Persian New Year and the onset of Spring.

Donations were flooding in and in excess of £370 has been received to date; Mafa Ardestani, Curriculum Manager for ESOL and Chief Organiser, informed us that there are more donations to follow on Monday. The funds raised are going towards Childline which is the chosen charity of the student and staff organisers. How fortunate we are to have such a diverse college and such kind hearts in our community.