On 22 March 2019, the SCO Secretariat, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the embassies of the SCO member states, observer countries and SCO dialogue partners jointly held a festive event marking International Nowruz Day.
The guests when they arrived were greeted by the sounds of melodies being played on Karnays (long trumpet-like instruments) that helped people to plunge themselves into the atmosphere of an awakening Mother Nature and spring and threw them into a festive mood.
The guests had an opportunity to enjoy an exhibition of applied-decorative items from the SCO member states and a photo display dedicated to traditional Nowruz celebrations.
Fiery music, colourful dances, traditional games and national rites turned the event into an occasion full of charm.
President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Ms Li Xiaolin and SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov greeted the guests. The heads of diplomatic missions of the SCO member states congratulated those present in their native tongues and discussed the specifics of Nowruz celebrations in their home countries.
The embassies of the Republic of India, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey co-sponsored the event.
In September 2009, Nowruz was included in UNESCO's Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage.