Chattanooga’s own Persian community is celebrating its cultural new year celebration, Nowruz, at Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK in Chattanooga, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.
The general public is invited to this ticketed event, and there are a limited number of tickets still available. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2024ChattPNY.
Organizers said, "The Persian Nowruz occurs each year on the first day of spring, celebrating the rebirth of nature. This is the largest cultural event for Persians, and it is celebrated in a number of countries, including Iran and Afghanistan.
"The community is invited to celebrate, and entry includes a Persian dinner with kebab, rice, stew, desserts, dancing and information about Persian (and Iranian) culture.
"This event is hosted by the Chattanooga-area Persian community, and it is spearheaded by Farah and Melody Shekari.
Wanting to share their culture and provide a unique event in Chattanooga, they held this event from 2017 until the
pandemic in 2020, selling out tickets every year. The event returned last year, and they are excited to be back this year for the fifth year."
“Now more than ever, I want Persian-Americans and immigrants to share our culture and who we are, as well as
how we contribute to our communities,” said Ms. Shekari. “We want to introduce and celebrate Persian culture in Chattanooga in the best way possible - through delicious food and fun.”