Nowruz, Persian for 'the new day,' is celebrated at the beginning of spring on 21 March and marks the start of the new year in Persian culture. At the centre of the celebration is the Haft-Sin table, an altar with seven symbolic elements that stand for life, a connection to nature, new beginnings, and hope. The evening is accompanied by music, dance, and poetry that give expression to remembrance and resistance. Following a musical performance and an interactive reading featuring the work of the poet and mystic Hafez, a DJ set within the space of the Haft-Sin installation brings the celebration to a communal close.

20:30
Welcome, Introduction, and Screening
with Ava Irandoost 

A brief introduction to Nowruz and to the significance of the Haft Sin as a symbol of renewal, life and connectedness, followed by the screening of a video by Sina Ataeian, accompanied by traditional Nowruz music.

21:00
Hafez Performance: Interactive Oracle
Reading Performance

Seven performers each present one of the seven elements of the Haft Sin and invite a member of the audience to formulate a question or a wish. In the style of Fal-e Hafez, a poem from the Diwan of the poet and mystic Hafez is then recited in Persian, followed by a translation into German or English, and jointly interpreted in a dialogue between the performers and the audience.

22:15
Mohammad Reza Mortazavi
Musical performance 

A live performance by Mohammad Reza Mortazavi on the daf drum.

22:45
Ava Irandoost, Reza Jalilian
DJ set

The DJ booth is positioned at the centre of the Haft Sin installation, ensuring that ritual, sound and community remain spatially connected.