With Meaningful New Connections and Hopes for Brighter Days Ahead

Brooklyn, NY -- Novruz celebrations took place at Baku Palace in Brooklyn, NY on Sunday, March 18, 2023 where family and friends gathered together to feast on traditional festive food on tables featuring the special dishes and pastries of Novruz.

The diverse group of guests included Deputy Consul of Italy Mr. Riccardo Cursi and his wife Francesca; Mr. Agil Khan, Chairman Board of Trustees, Pakistan-American Society; Mr. Yakov Abramov; and members of Azerbaijan's Jewish Community and Turkish Community.

Also in attendance at the sold out event was Ambassador Yashar Aliyev of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to United Nations and his wife.

Celebrations featured games and performances by children dressed up in traditional costumes, and Novruz rituals and customs, including the sacred Chershembes which were explained by the children.

Presentations were The Spring Girl by Shennen Hossain, Water Tuesday by Ayla Mursalov, Su Chershembesi, Tansu Suleymanli representing Fire Tuesday, Od Chershembesi, and Aliya Syed representing Wind Tuesday, Yel Chershembesi and Lala Heydarova representing Earth Tuesday, and Il Akhir Chershembesi.

One of the highlights of the evening was the traditional comedic performance of Kosa and Kecel, played by two Azerbaijani students who are studying in the USA, Isa Jafarov and Suad Muradov.

Ay Kosa gelsene, gelib salam versene

Ay Kecel gelsene, gelib salam versene

Kosa and Kecel came into the hall fighting, representing the conflict between winter and spring. Kecel wins the duel, indicating the victory of spring over winter. Traditions continued with an egg fight and dancing around Yalli.

Happy Novruz to everyone! We look forward to a good year and continuing this Novruz tradition next year.