Nowruz

WHEREAS, The Persian New Year, or Nowruz, which originated in the 1
Iranian plateau more than 3,000 years ago and is celebrated annually 2
marking the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere, this year will 3
fall on March 20th at 7:46 a.m.; and 4
WHEREAS, Nowruz is a significant cultural holiday that is 5
celebrated by nearly 300,000,000 people across the globe of different 6
faiths and cultures, including individuals in Iran, Afghanistan, 7
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, the Hazara 8
community, and many other communities and countries, more than 9
1,000,000 Americans, and tens of thousands in Washington state; and10
WHEREAS, Nowruz welcomes spring and regrowth after winter and 11
periods of cold and dormancy and it celebrates nature, life, and 12
opportunity for regrowth and blossoming; and 13
WHEREAS, For many who observe Nowruz, particularly within Iran 14
and the Iranian diaspora including those within Washington state, 15
this season of renewal recognizes the importance of dignity, safety, 16
basic freedoms, justice, and self-determination; and17
WHEREAS, In this time where mistrust and fear often threaten to 18
divide us, the spirit of Nowruz inspires us to realize our 19
commonalities and strive for new levels of compassion, understanding, 20
and love for our fellow human beings irrespective of religion or 21
ethnicity; and 22
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4685, by Representatives Farivar and Salahuddin
p. 1 HR 4685
WHEREAS, Many Middle Eastern and Central Asian individuals 1
immigrate to Washington to flee persecution for their beliefs, 2
seeking personal and religious freedoms in the United States; and3
WHEREAS, Middle Eastern and Central Asians are an important part 4
of our communities and continue to make noteworthy and lasting 5
contributions to Washington state through their leadership in 6
business, government, higher education, medicine, military service, 7
law, social justice, and many other arenas; and 8
WHEREAS, Nowruz presents a fitting opportunity to recognize these 9
contributions and the resilience of the Middle Eastern and Central 10
Asian communities who continue to advocate for their communities; and11
WHEREAS, Nowruz is a time for all of us to come together to 12
reflect on the year that has passed and celebrate the universal 13
values of generosity, compassion, selflessness, and community 14
stewardship in the year ahead; 15
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 16
celebrate the honored holiday of Nowruz; recognize the historical and 17
cultural significance thereof; stand with the communities that 18
celebrate Nowruz in times of crisis and in times of celebration; and 19
wish a happy and prosperous new year to all. 20
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I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of22
Resolution 4685 adopted by the House of Representatives23
February 18, 2026 24
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__________________________ 29
Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk 30
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