Iranian New Year celebration draws big crowd
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 03/09/2009
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Nearly 200 people from various parts of the Midwest attended the most cherished celebration in Iranian culture.
Norouz, the Iranian New Year, was celebrated Sunday night at Purdue Memorial Union by Purdue University’s Iranian Cultural Club, Indiana University’s Persian Club and various dance associations.
The program started with a presentation explaining the importance and value of Norouz. Armand Navabi, a graduate student in the College of Technology, was the link between those who were familiar with the culture and those who were not.
“I was not born here, but I moved here when I was very young,” Navabi said. “Luckily my parents maintained close Iranian friends and always kept in contact with the Persian heritage.”
Many people representing different backgrounds attended the event and admired the culture. Jillian Rumpza, an employee at the Purdue Research Park, attends many events like the Iranian New Year to acclimate herself with different cultures.
“It’s nice to have a place where you can learn about a different culture without being intimidated,” said Rumpza.
The program featured the Aftab Traditional Persian Dance Group and the Mahtab Children’s Dance. The Aftab Traditional Persian Dance Group consisted of four women and four men dancing together to traditional music. The women wore bright outfits, while the men wore white shirts, dress pants and teal scarves. The Mahtab Children’s Dance was performed by four little girls who had been practicing diligently for their performance.
“My wife has been busy choreographing most of the dances presented,” said Dean Foods employee Clayton Holmes. Holmes and his wife traveled to Purdue for the event from Indianapolis.
“I like coming here to these things; it’s great to see people pursuing their culture, and their food is great,” said Holmes.
The food was catered by Purdue Catering Services and there was a lack of authentic Iranian food.
“We can’t cater Iranian food here, everything is perfect about this event except that,” Navabi said. “But the event has been amazing and we’re very happy and proud with the way it has turned out.”