Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Eid and Nowruz

Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (13:35): I am pleased to rise today to acknowledge the significance of Eid and Nowruz, celebrated by many in my electorate of Narre Warren South. Eid marks the end of Ramadan and the end of dawn-to-sunset fasting. Nowruz, while there are many ways to spell it, means new day and marks the first day of spring and the new year for our Afghan community. Nowruz is celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world, and it goes back 3000 years across Central Asia, the Middle East and more. To that end, in my community I would like to thank the Bakhtar Community Organisation’s Nowruz festival, which was held recently at Hallam Reserve; the Victorian Afghan Associations Network, or VAAN, for their Nowruz new year festival at Dandenong Park; and the Afghan Australian Philanthropic Association’s event, the Afghan new year and Eid celebrations at Springvale town hall. Again I would like to thank Bassir Qadiri, Hafiz Asadi, Dur Aschna and their incredibly hardworking teams who put on these events that showcased fantastic live music, cultural dances, family-friendly activity, art exhibitions and of course some really delicious traditional food. I am so grateful for the work of all of the organisers who held events that brought so many together in happiness, warmth and pride. I am honoured to represent such a proud multicultural community.