2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104419D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 77

Offered January 22, 2026

Designating the day of the spring equinox, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Nowruz in Virginia.

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Patrons—Reaser, Nivar, Sullivan, Willett and Rasoul; Senator: VanValkenburg

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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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

WHEREAS, Iranian Americans have had a noteworthy impact on the social and economic fabric of society in the United States and have been contributing to cultural and community life in Virginia for decades; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth is home to the fourth-largest Iranian American population in the United States, many of whom have achieved success in a wide range of career fields and become leaders in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Nowruz provides an occasion to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the Iranian American community and an opportunity for all Virginians to promote compassion, peace, and reconciliation between cultures, generations, families, and neighbors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the day of the spring equinox, in 2026 and in each succeeding year, as Nowruz in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to representatives of the Iranian American community in the Commonwealth so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.