The two-decade journey won’t be possible without hardworking & dedicated associates: Aziz Bolani
Naveed Ahmad Khan Spokesman Photos by: Ghulam Farid
Aziz Boolani, the CEO of Serena Hotels, said: “the two-decade journey would not have been possible without the support of our hardworking and dedicated Associates. He offered a big
thank you to the valued guests, government functionaries, local administration, law enforcement agencies and media for their support over these past 20 years.” He spoke on the occasion of Nowruz and Spring Festival while marking the 20th Anniversary of Islamabad Serena Hotel organized by Serena Hotel Islamabad.
The festival was attended by the members of diplomatic corps, government, armed forces, international agencies, corporate sector, media, and a large number of guests from all walks of life.
The program included cultural performances from across Pakistan, live music, displays of traditional artefacts, and a number of entertainment activities. Folk dance group of Pak-Turk Maarif International Schools performed amazing dances from all regions of Pakistan at the Spring Festival of Serena Hotel with cooperation of the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad.
Michel Galopin, General Manager Islamabad Serena Hotel on the occasion said: “it has been a great pleasure to welcome you for the 20th Anniversary of Islamabad Serena Hotel, and the celebration of Nowruz. I would like to thank all the guests for making this festival a huge success.” Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan H.E Benedict de Cerjat, said: “I am very glad to join for the 20 years celebration of Islamabad Serena Hotel. I am truly fascinated by the culture and history of Pakistan, especially the Indus Valley Civilization.”
Ehsan Khazaei, the Cultural attache of the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan, said at the ceremony: “On the eve of spring and Nowruz, we congratulate this ancient event and common heritage to the people of Nowruz region, especially the two friendly and brotherly countries of Iran and Pakistan, as well as all Persian speakers in the world.” He added. “Countries in the region, including Persian-speaking countries, celebrate Nowruz celebrations with special enthusiasm.” Noting that the spring and Nowruz celebrations are a common element between Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and some other countries, he added:“The display of Iranian customs and culture in Pakistan and countries that are familiar with the Persian language is very welcome and accompanied by students 
and Muslim people of these countries.”
Pakistan Air Force Group CaptainTahir Sultan said: “Serena Hotels, as usual, has outclassed itself. This event was truly a memorable experience. We were thrilled by the arrangements made for the 20 years celebration.” Westminster Academy Principal Ms. Gulandama said “It is a beautiful day to come out and celebrate the beginning of Spring, my entire family loved the festivities.”
Nowruz, which means ‘New Day’, is an ancient celebration of spring dating back to around 3000 years; and is celebrated by 300 million people belonging to different faiths and ethnicities across the world. The Nowruz celebrating countries particularly Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan participated in the celebrations by displaying their cultural heritage and offering their traditional cuisine. The Hotel’s lush green lawns were exquisitely decorated with colourful fabrics and reed huts. A large array of lavish Pakistani,Continental, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines were served, where specialty Chefs showcased their skills while serving the guests. The mouth-watering desserts attracted the guests to experience Serena’s delicacies along with a variety of beverages.
An amusement corner was dedicated for kids with exciting activities including Camel & Horse Riding, Jumping Castles, Trampolines, Puppet Shows and Street Magic. Cotton Candy, Ice-cream, and Juice Stations were an additional treat for the children, making the festival a truly memorable family day under the blue skies. Millions of people around the world have celebrated Nowruz–a festival that marks the Persian New Year and the official beginning of spring. Nowruz begins at the spring equinox, when the sun crosses equator and day and night are equal length.
The spring festival’s focus is fertility and new life, so it’s appropriate that many revelers celebrate with seeds and eggs. Households set up tables covered with seven symbolic items they call haftseen. Haft means “seven” and “seen” is “s” in Farsi, and all of the items start with the letter. These include seed sprouts (usually wheat, oats and other seeds, which symbolize rebirth), senjed (also known as silverberry or Persian olive, which is thought to spark love), garlic (protection), apple (fertility), sumac (love), vinegar (patience), and samanu, a pudding made of sprouted wheat (affluence). The table also can include a Koran, eggs, mirrors, and poetry.
In 2009, UNESCO, the cultural arm of the United Nations, listed the holiday on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, noting that it “promotes values of peace and solidarity between generations and within families as well as reconciliation and neighborliness.” March 21 is officially recognized as International Nowruz Day, though the holiday itself is celebrated between March 19 and 22, depending on calendars and vernal equinox calculations.
It’s also an official holiday in Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia,Iraqi Kurdistan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii province, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, and it’s widely celebrated in places like Turkey, Indian and other places with Persian enclaves
