The reason for naming this day “New Year” is the ripening of hand-picked agricultural products and fruit in the orchards, in the land of Armenia, at this time of the year and on this day, which can be called the agricultural new year, and which is a relic of ancient times. Navasard is held on August 11 (20th Amordad) and lasts for a week; and it coincides with the appearance of Hayk star in the sky, and we seeing it from the heights of the city of Sisian, Armenia, at a certain point.
By studying and doing research in historical resources, it is evident that the roots of this event go back to the medes era. It has iranian roots and origin and one of t he most ancient iranian celebrations in the medes era, which is associated with the goddess (Izad) of fertility, rain and abundance.
Armenians celebrate this day by entertaining with various types of food and agricultural products, dancing and making merry, and performing plays. An important point worthwhile of knowing is that the Armenians know that it has common roots with Iranians and cherish it.
Starting by holding the first joint cultural and food festival between Iran and Armenia in the city of sissian could increase the richness of the cultural, commercial, tourism, and diplomatic relations between the two countries and make the foundations of these ancient historical relations stronger and broader. Taking advantage of such historic and cultural similarities for having joint celebrations could strengthen the ties between the two countries.
It should be noted that, unfortunately, the Iranian team participating in the food and culture festival of the two countries, both in terms of quantity and quality, appeared in this international festival at an insignificant level. By arranging just a few stalls, it could not represent our country that has such a huge variety of food. In the field of Iranian culture not much was displayed to show its depth and its power.
Whatever was there was arranged and displayed by the Armenians. It is unfortunate that Iran, with more than 80 million population and such a vast variety of land, ethnicities, culture, food, climate and clothing, was represented so poorly. In contrast, a country with 3 million population and with the support of just their tourism federation (private sector) could manage and host a program in such an orderly, capable and competent manner. We ask ourselves: who is to be held responsible for this negligence and carelessness, which can harm our country’s reputation and credibility? We hope that when implementing a reciprocal program in our country, such unplanned and weak management in closed and narrow-minded circles are corrected and instead capable people with high potential for holding such occasions in our country (with such diverse and historic/cultural background) are put in charge, in order to have a proper presentation in this joint event and other international festivals.
Photos by Farhad Rahbari
