Join Shangri La in celebrating Nowruz on Saturday, March 23, 2024. During this evening event, attendees will learn about the Nowruz celebration that is observed among people in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and their diaspora around the world.

All galleries will be open for guests to explore with tour staff on hand to answer questions and provide information on the collection, architecture, and history of Shangri La and the Doris Duke Foundation.

Shangri La's Executive Director, Ben Weitz, will welcome guests with opening remarks, followed by a short talk on the history and significance of Nowruz by Associate Curator of Programs and Social Practice, Navid Najafi, followed by a poetry reading of classic Sufi poetry by some special guests.

There will also be traditional music with live hand drumming played on the Upper Lawn.

The word "Nowruz" itself means "New Day" in Persian, marking the beginning of the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. This ancient festival has been observed for over 3,000 years and holds deep cultural, historical, and religious significance for many communities.

The significance of Nowruz lies in its representation of renewal, rebirth, and the triumph of light over darkness. It symbolizes the transition from the cold, dark days of winter to the warmth and vitality of spring, bringing hope, joy, and optimism for the year ahead.

Date and time:
Sat, March 23, 2024
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM HST

Food & Beverages:
Enjoy complimentary Persian food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, and Persian tea on the Upper Lawn

Program:
Check in to KCC Parking Lot A to board Shangri La shuttle - 5:00 PM
Arrive at Shangri La for Open Museum - 5:30 PM
Welcome Introduction, Program Discussion & Poetry on Upper Lawn - 6:20 PM
Dinner open on Upper Lawn - 6:40 PM
Music on Upper Lawn - 7:30 PM
Event End (shuttles back to KCC) - 8:45 PM

PLEASE READ VERY IMPORTANT: Parking & Check-in is at Kapiolani Community College (KCC), Parking Lot A.

Please note that there is no parking at Shangri La or in the surrounding neighborhood. No access will be granted to guests arriving at Shangri La directly (no walk-ons, Uber/Lyft/Taxi, or other vehicles). All guests must board the shuttle at KCC to gain entry into the event. No exceptions can be made. We will do our best to accommodate everyone but if you arrive late and miss your shuttle, we will refund your ticket.

Parking & Check-in Location

Kapi'olani Community College, Parking Lot A
4303 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816

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Please check-in promptly @ 5:00 pm as the shuttle will depart KCC @ 5:15 pm. Shuttles will return guests to KCC around 8:45-9:00 pm.

Children 8 and above are welcome.