HR 18
Page 1
Date of Hearing: March 10, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
HR 18 (Gabriel) – As Amended March 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Nowruz.
SUMMARY: Celebrates March 21, 2025, as the International Day of Nowruz, and extends best
wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Nowruz to all Californians. Specifically, this resolution
makes the following legislative findings:
1) Nowruz is a combination of two Dari words: the first, “now,” means new, and the second,
“ruz,” means day. Together they mean “new day,” which commemorates the new year for
many Afghan and Central Asian communities all over the world. It is celebrated on the exact
day of the astronomical northward equinox, which occurs on or around March 21.
2) The “new day” symbolizes a commitment to springtime renewal, peace, and overall
solidarity between generations, families, and communities. Nowruz symbolizes a time of
renewal and community. It harkens the departure from the trials and tribulations of the
previous year, and brings hope for the new year.
3) During Nowruz, people visit family, reconnect with community members, forgive past
wrongs, and exchange gifts as a sign of peace and friendship, and these festivities last
multiple days.
4) The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed International Nowruz Day in 2010 at the
enterprise of several countries that uphold this global tradition, and the first global Nowruz
festival, held the same year, serves to remind us of the many noteworthy and lasting
contributions of Persian culture to the ever-growing social and economic tapestry of our
country. After thousands of years in the making, Nowruz remains beloved, universal, and
deeply embedded in Persian culture.
5) Nowruz, as the embodiment of the unity of cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions,
plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect and
the ideals of peace and good neighborliness.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800