Committee hears testimony supporting designation of March 21 as Nowruz Day

The House Rules Committee held a public hearing March 24 on House Bill 37‑68 (recorded in the committee summary as designating March 21 each year as "Nauru's Day" but consistently described in testimony as Nowruz or Persian New Year Day). Representative Farah Chichi (House District 35) and several community members spoke in support.

Representative Chichi said Nowruz, which "falls on the spring equinox every year," symbolizes renewal and rebirth, and described community displays and music observed recently in the legislative building. Shereen Farahi (identified as half Persian and active in the local Iranian community) told the committee Nowruz dates to a Zoroastrian tradition more than 3,000 years old and highlighted the "seven S's" table; she said many of the table items (apples, garlic, wheat grass, wheat) are grown in Oregon and suggested an official recognition would provide marketing and trade opportunities for Oregon agricultural producers. Daniel Moltke (identified as Chief of Staff to Representative Hartman) described Nowruz as "deeply personal" and said the designation would signal that Persian identity and traditions have a place in Oregon's public life.

Several witnesses urged the committee to support HB 37‑68 as a symbolic recognition that would affirm immigrant communities and promote cultural awareness. Committee staff then closed the hearing; the transcript does not record a committee vote or work‑session action for HB 37‑68 during this meeting.

Note on transcript wording: the committee summary read HB 37‑68 as "Nauru's Day," but all presenters repeatedly described the holiday as Nowruz (Persian New Year). Committee materials and testimony use "Nowruz" and "Persian New Year." The article reflects the name used by witnesses.