Dean Amaney Jamal (middle) and Amb. Adela Raz (first from right) with APL student volunteers

On April 30, after several rainy days, the Afghanistan Policy Lab (APL) hosted its annual Nowruz cultural event outside Robertson Hall, bringing together faculty, staff, and students from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The celebration welcomed spring and symbolized renewed energy for the year ahead.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Ambassador Adela Raz, director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab, and Amaney Jamal, dean of the School.

“I am delighted that we have come together as a community to learn and celebrate Nowruz and embrace one another—and there is no better way than to break bread together,” Jamal said.On April 30, after several rainy days, the Afghanistan Policy Lab (APL) hosted its annual Nowruz cultural event outside Robertson Hall, bringing together faculty, staff, and students from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The celebration welcomed spring and symbolized renewed energy for the year ahead.

The program opened with welcome remarks from Ambassador Adela Raz, director of the Afghanistan Policy Lab, and Amaney Jamal, dean of the School.

“I am delighted that we have come together as a community to learn and celebrate Nowruz and embrace one another—and there is no better way than to break bread together,” Jamal said.

                                                             Dean Amaney Jamal giving welcome remarks

The celebration began with a short video illustrating how Nowruz is observed in Afghanistan, showcasing traditional foods, cultural rituals, games, and festive activities. Following the video, APL student volunteers performed a skit highlighting how Nowruz is celebrated across different cultures and regions.

Elaha, a sophomore at SPIA, explained the significance of the holiday:

“Nowruz is the first day of spring and is celebrated in many countries like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Central Asia, and parts of India and Pakistan. The word ‘Nowruz’ literally means ‘New Day’ in Persian and marks a celebration believed to have begun over 3,000 years ago.”

Baimyrza Omurbekov, an undergraduate politics major, described Nowruz traditions in Kyrgyzstan:

“This holiday is very special for us. It’s a time of togetherness. People wear new clothes, prepare traditional food, play music, and dance. Cities host cultural programs and concerts. Nowruz reminds us of our shared cultural identity.”

Rawand Aziz, a computer science student, spoke about its significance in Kurdish culture:

“For Kurdish people, Nowruz is one of the most important national and traditional festivals. Families gather, light bonfires, and descend from hillsides. Jumping over fire symbolizes purification and a fresh start.”

                                                                      APL Student Volunteers presenting a skit about Nowruz

Said Reza Huseini, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, reflected on the broader historical and cultural relevance of Nowruz, emphasizing its aim of bringing on harmony.

                                         Said Reza Huseini, a Princeton post-doctoral fellow, reflecting on Nowruz

The event also included interactive cultural activities, including Tokham Jangi, a traditional egg-cracking contest, where the participant whose egg survived the most rounds was declared the winner. Kurdish traditional dance was performed by students led by Aziz. 

                                                          Students performing a traditional Kurdish dance

                                                               Tokham Jangi, a traditional egg-cracking contest

Toward the close of the program, Ambassador Raz recognized student volunteers with gifts and letters of appreciation for their contributions to the event.

The celebration concluded with a communal Afghan meal, bringing the Princeton SPIA community together in a spirit of unity, tradition, and spring renewal.

                                                                                 SPIA Community celebrating Nowruz