Highlighting Haft-Seen

In keeping with the theme of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) to mark this year’s United Nations (UN) Day on October 24, 2018 Parzor showcased a Navroz table at the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) headquarters in Delhi. Navroz is one of the 13 items on United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) ICH list for India, along with other diverse aspects of intangible heritage like yoga, vedic chanting, Sanskrit theater and the Kumbh Mela.

Dr Shernaz Cama (l) and Farida Variava: showcasing Navroz

Farida Variava (since deceased), who along with Villie Aria, laid out the table, wrote in a note to Parsiana that the "well over 800 guests” who visited were told about the symbolism attached to the seven elements (haft-seen) that were presented at the table. "The Uzbek, Tajik and Iranian ambassadors were very happy to participate... and were explaining (the significance of the items on the table) to other guests,” noted Parzor director Dr Shernaz Cama. Besides Parzor, other organizations showcasing the remaining 12 items on the ICH list were also present at the UN Day.
Cama told Parsiana on November 27 that this year the UNESCO director, Eric Falt decided that since India has such diverse items on the IHC list, it would be a good idea to showcase each of these on UN Day. "(Also)... this year marks 70 years of India signing the UNESCO treaty,” she noted. Parzor had worked as part of an international team since 2006 to lobby with the UNESCO to recognize the spring festival as culturally important, and therefore fit to be on the IHC list. Recognition came in 2010 (see "UN recognizes Navroz,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, March 21, 2010).