Australians celebrate Norouz
20 March 2009
The Middle Eastern New Year Festival of Norouz, or ‘new day’, has been celebrated to mark the coming of spring on March 21 for more than 3000 years, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
Norouz is celebrated in many regions including West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Caucasus, the Crimea, Albania, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iran, Kosovo, the Republic of Macedonia and by the Kurdish populations of Turkey and the Zoroastrian and Baha'i faiths.
The festival, which signifies the evolution of a new path in life, is also a holy day for Alawites, Alevis, and Nizari Ismaili Muslims.
‘People from those countries which celebrate Norouz have made an excellent contribution to our nation through their endeavours in business, medicine, the arts and media,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘Many of these nations have been amongst our strongest intake countries over the last two decades. Their people have dramatically transformed many of our suburbs.’
The Parliamentary Secretary said this year's Norouz festival is particularly significant as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Harmony Day.
‘It is thus particularly apt that Harmony Day is about community participation, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘I send my best wishes to all Australians who celebrate Norouz at this time.’
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09014.htm
Last update: 20 March 2009 at 14:35 AEST