Nowruz, an Iranian new year and also, the first day called ‘Farvardin’ in the Persian calendar has been celebrated by the Persian kings and royalties for centuries on spring equinox. The kings would sit on the royal throne, and the astronomer of the court would come forward, kiss the ground and congratulate the king on arrival of the new year. The celebrations would commence with music and dance followed by a lavish feast over many following days. 
Nowruz managed to survive many history upheavals and change of rulers. Even Mongols and Turks continued to celebrate the tradition of Nowruz and as of today, after Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey, even Central Asian countries celebrates Nowruz and it’s a national holiday on the day of Nowruz. Taking due advantage of the century’s old tradition and under the umbrella of cultural diplomacy, the management of Serena Hotels under the steward leadership of its Chief Executive Officer of South and Central Asia, Mr. Aziz Boolani, organised a big fiesta in the lawn of the hotel. Tents were pegged by the Nowruz participating countries in the likes of Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and other central Asian states with food, pottery, artwork and clothing’s on display.
The host participants were wearing mostly traditional costumes, showcasing their traditional attire whereas the ambassadors were diplomatically dressed in suits and tie.
Standing near the stall with fellow Iranian diplomats, Mohammad Sorkhabi, the deputy head of mission, elaborated on the concept of “seven Ss” in Nowruz. The basic concept of this tradition is rejuvenation, celebration and abundance, serious spring house-cleanings and even more serious table spread, where all the food items are arranged to make what we call a ‘Haft Seen’ which in English translates as seven Ss, he said smilingly. The whole festivity revolves around it which start with Sabzeh, something green which represents rebirth or rejuvenation; Samanu, a sweet wheatgrass pudding symbolising wealth and affluence; Senjed symbolises love and it’s a shrub; Seer is garlic and is related to life medicine; Sib, apple, is sign of a healthy life and beauty; Somaq, sour red berries commonly used in Persian cuisine; and Serkeh, vinegar, symbolises maturity and we start with Sabzi Pulao, a herbed rice served with fish and garnished with almonds, pistachio and walnuts, a Nowruz mainstay, the deputy head of mission explained. 
The Turkish stall had a beeline as many diplomats and local attendees were craving to savour the Turkish delights. The coffee was being served fresh whereas the Turkish sweets in the form of pastries cooked with fruits, milk, coconut, powdered bites, baklava’s, Turkish churros etc., along bejewelled coffee/tea cups, saucer sets, Turkish evil eye (nazar) ornaments in the likes of wall hangings and jewellery etc. A senior diplomat from the Embassy of Kazakhstan, Arman Tynybek was mesmerising the guests, dressed in all white clothing with an embroidered traditional hat representing one of the regions of his country and roaming freely with a Dombra, a form of guitar in his hand. He seemed rather professional music lover as his fingers were moving flawlessly with the strings.
Serena’s manicured gardens were in full bloom too with flowers sprouting and it seems that Nowruz is very much a celebration in Islamabad as well. A big canopy was set up for the formal ceremony and the itinerary included welcome address by the host, Mr. Boolani, an introductory speech by the Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Turkmenistan H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, followed by cultural performances from the participating countries.
–The writer is a freelance 
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