The Nowruz greeting ceremony was an esteemed royal tradition that transitioned from the Qajar court to the Pahlavi court, maintaining its significance in Persian culture and governance. On the first day of Farvardin, officials and dignitaries would present themselves before the Shah, where they would pay their respects and receive a special feast in return. This ceremonial gathering was a hallmark of Persian monarchy, underscoring both continuity and transformation within Iran’s political landscape.
During the Qajar period, particularly under Fath Ali Shah, the Nowruz greeting was an elaborate affair attended by courtiers, military commanders, foreign ambassadors, and even select ordinary citizens. The event adhered to strict protocols, demonstrating the grandeur of the monarchy and its adherence to tradition. However, it was under Nasser al-Din Shah that the ceremony reached its peak of magnificence. Every aspect of the occasion was meticulously planned, from the seating arrangements in the palace courtyard to the precise placement of the Shah’s special hookah.
