What is Nowruz? All About the Ancient Spring Equinox Celebration | Shangri La

On Saturday, March 25, 2023 Shangri La ushered in the Spring Equinox with the ancient celebration of Nowruz. During this evening event, attendees learned about this celebration that is observed among people in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and their diaspora around the world. Programming included a discussion on Nowruz, especially significant within the contemporary context of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprisings in Iran, followed by a dance performance by Sara Mizban.

About Sara Mizban:
Sara Mizban, Psy.D., is a multidisciplinary creative, educator, and dancer trained in Persian dance. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology, specializing in narrative and somatic-based approaches. Mizban danced professionally with a classical Persian dance company in Los Angeles, California, and has performed throughout the country at events and festivals.

She has spent the past 15 years working with nonprofit organizations to produce public engagement events, including a Persian New Year (Nowruz) celebration that now hosts over 25,000 attendees. She has collaborated with local artists, organizations and community leaders to offer programs that strategically use the arts to target social emotional learning and launched an initiative that uses creativity as a tool for healing and wellness.

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