By Khalida Sarwari
West Valley College will be celebrating the year 1395 on March 15. No, they haven’t found a way to go back in time–that’s the new year on the Persian calendar.
The college will hold a celebration of Nowruz, a holiday that marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year on the Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the Vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20 this year. While originally a Zoroastrian festival, the holiday now is celebrated and observed in Iran–where it is an official holiday lasting for 13 days–and many other parts of the world, including regions of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and China.
One of the largest refugee populations in Santa Clara County happens to be Iranian, according to Renee Paquier, chairwoman of the administration of justice department who is co-organizing the event this year with Behin Noormanesh, a financial aid adviser.
“One of the things we’ve worked on throughout the years is educating and reaching the campus community through cultural programs that we present,” said Paquier. “What we aspire to do is to break down the negative stigma associated with Middle Eastern culture.”
Last year, more than 400 people attended the event, Paquier said.
“This is the second largest attended event on our campus outside of graduation,” she said. “It’s also the largest Persian New Year free event in the South Bay.”
The festivities include performances by Rushid, the Beshkan Dance Academy and Homyra Banejad. There will also be dancing, and light food and refreshments will be served.
A unique feature of the event will be the “Haft Seen” display, a traditional Nowruz table setting that includes seven items starting with the letter “S” in the Persian alphabet. Typically, the setting includes apples, vinegar, sumac berries, garlic, a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat and the dried fruit of the oleaster tree.
Another highlight will be a gift presentation to college president Brad Davis. Every year organizers present him with a gift to show their appreciation for his support of the program.
“He really goes above and beyond to make sure we have everything we need for this event,” Paquier said. “The people love it. The Iranian ladies love him.”
The Persian New Year celebration is sponsored this year by the Associated Student Government, the President’s Office and the Student Equity Office.
The event is free and will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on March 15 in the Campus Center at West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga.
Attendees can park for free in Lot 4 and 5 during the event.
For more information, call 408.741.4639.
