2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 77
Designating the day of the spring equinox, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Nowruz in Virginia.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 11, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 3, 2026
WHEREAS, Nowruz, the commemoration of the Persian New Year, originated more than 3,000 years ago and continues to be celebrated by members of the Iranian diaspora around the world; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz, meaning "New Day," occurs on the spring equinox and symbolizes a time of renewal and community, marking a departure from the challenges of the previous year and bringing hope for the year ahead; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz is celebrated by nearly 300 million members of the Iranian diaspora and other peoples all over the world, including countries in Central Asia, South Asia, the Caucasus, Crimea, and the Balkans; and
WHEREAS, significant celebrations of Nowruz are known to take place in Afghanistan, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United States, Uzbekistan, and other countries around the world; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz is recognized by Iranian Americans of all backgrounds, including those with Baha'i, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Zoroastrian, and nonreligious backgrounds; and