Nawroztan Piroz be !
Happy Nawroz ! Nawroz (New Day), is often referred as a Persian new year and is rooted from Zoroastrian religious tradition. It marks the first day of spring, which usually occurs on 21 March or earlier/later day depend on where it is determined based on the astronomical Northward equinox or March equinox. This year, Nawroz was on 21 March, people went for a family picnic in mountain area or gathering on that day. However, the big celebration of Nawroz was a day before. People gathering in the same place and light Nawroz fire.
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| Wishing you a happy Nawroz |
It was a warm, sunny Thursday when my hubby and I joined the celebration in Sulaymani on 20 March. Around 3.30 PM, we walked with the crowd from the Khasraw Khal Bridge to the Palace Hotel and then return to Khasraw Khal Bridge again.The main street/Saleem street was partially closed for cars, so our walked was so comfortable and safe. I think we marched around 4 kilometers!
Most of the people wore traditional Kurdish clothes (Jili Kurdi). Men's clothes are generally a bit simple. The men wore baggy pants with a plain full sleeves shirt and vest (worn over the shirt) and tied at the elbow. Elder men were likely wore turban on their head.
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| Two gentlemen with traditional clothes |
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| Beautiful Kurdish Women with Traditional Clothes |
Women's clothes have so many different styles (I would say, millions styles...LOL). Their dresses are very colorful and sparkling. There are various accessories with gold color to wear with (traditionally it is made of gold but for children or for people in general they may use the imitation). Some of the accessories are Sheelena, a long gold necklace with amber and Lira belt, a gold belt from the connected gold Lira coins or dangling gold Lira's.
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| A Kurdish family with their traditional clothes |
There were so many things to see along the walk. The men dancing traditional dance in the street, a group of artists singing in a stage, people sitting down and resting in Nali Park, street vendors selling horns, food and drinks, oh what a busy street!
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| Dancing |
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| Resting in the Nali Park |
Finally, we reached Palace Hotel. There were a big stage and a bon fire. The media were very serious covering the event (ehm, you might see us in the local television.....LOL).
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| Do you see the cameraman? |
After spending sometime around the Palace Hotel, we walked back and ate. Around 7 PM, the fireworks started to mark the Kurdish New Year 2714. It was wonderful to experience Nawroz celebration. I hope I will have a chance to join the Nawroz celebration next year :-)
