NOROOZ

!

Ouch!

When it comes to LA, it's

When it comes to LA, it's better if you say all species...

Not just all faiths, but all Nationalities too!

Some will know, that Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, being of ancient Iranian lineage himself, designated Naw-Ruz as a holy day and a celebration for all Baha'is. Naw-Rúz is also the first day of the month of Baha which is the first month in the Bahá'í calendar.

As a result of this, there are millions of Non-Iranian Baha'is around the world who anticipate this great festival with the same eagerness as do Iranians.

It's quite astonishing to see a Peruvian Indian in the Andes mountains, or a Norweigian living somewhere near the arctic circle celebrating a tradition which we had hitherto only associated with our own culture.

didani ,bodani bod

MEHRDAD , MOJGAN ,azizan kareton aali bod .in hameh irani ro yek ja didan , DIDANI ast , wa adam hasretesh ro mikhoreh ke chera man ham nabodem ,ey kash bodem , BODANI .kholaseh DIDANI O BODANI bod.mersy , baz ham iz in kara bekohid.

This must be envy

disguised as bitterness. It's hard to see it any other way.

2B2, do you know any of the people who were there? Probably not. They are just a group of people gathered on a couple of blocks in Westwood. Why is that such a bother to you? Because they brought their dogs?

Other than the purpose of having a good time, a change of pace from the ordinary and being immersed in reminders of home for a few hours, why do you believe there has to be a goal that has to be accomplished with such a gathering?  Are there any such goals when Chinese celebrate their new year in Chinatown, or when the Irish or Italian communities have their gatherings?

As far as what these people do with their money, how is that anyone else's business but theirs? Before you criticize the financial choices they make, why don't you publish the receipts from your charitable donations?

The only thing I noticed from these photos is that there weren't as many people smiling as I would have thought there would be. Maybe they are indeed reluctant to have their pictures taken by strangers, as indicated in another comment.

to Damon Jaan

My name is Damon too! I haven't met too many Iranians with that name....and people...stop bitching so much..

NOROOZ on WESTWOOD BLVD....

LOTS OF FUN!!!! It’s great to just gather with your friends and be grateful for all you have during this New Year.

Did Va Bazdid

Anything that is done in positive direction is good. These events may not appeal all but does to some. You have to remember, not all of us have the luxury of visiting friends in their homes. It is a good thing sponsors of the evnts are doing. Let's encourage them rather than critizing them. This is a tool for our community to unite. You many think it is a waste but more of these kinds of events occurs, more positive ideas comes out of it.
I am glad I saw older people there. These are the groups we have forgotten about them. Their children are all grown up, have family to take care of and jobs to attend. This is a day for them to meet others event if they do not know them. For few hours, it gives them hope, something to look forward to.
Yes, there are better things one can do. You are free to enjoy the beach on a sunny day, go to a restaurant and have your delicious food and wine, or just lay around your home. But, remember it is not designed only for one or two people of this community. It is for whole Iranian-American Community. Instead of negative feelings, say bravo to those who did thought about it, planned it, and DID it. It is not an easy task.
Let's teach younger ones Nowrooz, did-va-bazdid, sizdeh-bedar. They will catch up. They do listen even when you think they are not. You will see a large crowd of YOUNG ONES in future running the show. For now, ENJOY IT.

To Don't be confused?:it's called BEEGHEYRATI not apolitical

Let us be honest for once in our lives, these folks are mostly Iranians in name only but have got no real genuine love for Iran. They never did.

These people who are really dead inside, will all croak and get buried in LA. The 2nd & 3rd generations have already forgotten about Iran any way.

You asked why?

Confused jan
This Norooz gathering was not political. The gathering you speak of are always organized by one or more political groups. If people do not want to be associated with them, they don't participate in the protests either.
The loneliest people there on sunday were the the very few who wore their "Kh-Sh-M" hats and T-shirts (Khashm stands for Khoda shah meehan).
There were jewish men with their families too but nobody was debating on Israel and Palestine issues!
so put your label-maker thingy aside, go soak your behind in some cool water and stop being angry about Iranians who just wanted to have fun on Norooz and stayed away from the politics.

Those dogs are worth 100 times more than all those folks

Are all these folks supportive of the Islamic Republic?

Their mere looks and dog ownership is quite contrary to all the values the Islamic Republic has ever stood for.

Then why is that always only a handful of these traditional apparently Iran-loving Iranians show up whenever there is a rally in LA to show digust for the Islamic Republic?

Maybe they don't give a hoot about Iran any more then why going into trouble of organizing all this gathering?

Great to see so many people

Great to see so many people gathering together and having fun and celebrating.
Obviously you should be able to bring along anyone that you care for(including animals)to such an outing.
Good for Tehrangelesis!

Great pics,

Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t seen such a mass gathering of Iranians outside the country. People were happy and it’s heart warming to see that our new year is celebrated like it should be.
Otherwise, one can find REAL bastanis lighvan in LA?

I noticed

1- the crowd is getting older and older
2- the population of puppies are increasing every year ( showing off their puppies ) or we can call " saleh puppies "
3- Thousands of Iranians "billboards" gather at front stage in Westwood, Los Angeles

Happy new year

Persians always complaining about chert o pert

the purpose of the gathering; the continuation of traditional Persian ceremony that has exsisted through several invasions and Islamic Republic. accomplished: the continuation of said ceremonial practice, younger Persians may have been introduced to their traditions... Other cultures can view positive aspects of Persian religion rather than the "ghameh zani" they might see from our Shia traditions... How do you know that those same people with the doggies dont contribute to "worthy causes", who the &*#$ are you to judge any way? Saaleh No Mobaarak !

2B2 what have you done for

2B2 what have you done for Iran lately? Come on, It’s just a bunch of people walking on the street for Norooz. Who says they owe you or our culture anything anyway? The dogs, ok it’s pretty stupid looking when a bunch of adults walk around like Paris Hilton but so what? Relax. The purpose of the gathering? Who died and made you purpose police? It’s called mingling, having fun, getting out of the house, meeting up with people you know, having a good time. What was accomplished? I bet they had a nice time. I'm worried about you. Sizdah be dar is still out there and I bet you're going to flip when you see pictures of people bbqing. Khoda behet rahm koneh.

Not Funny

What was the purpose of this gathering?! What was accomplished? . . .

The majority of I-ranians in America has given bad name(s) to our culture and traditions . . .

People have money for their dogs, but not for a worthy cause. . .

Bunch of good for nothing(s) as far as our culture is concerned.

it think it looks like great fun!

and i think it's wonderful that so many people were there to celebrate NoRuz! 

Did o Bazdid

Perhaps you are redefining Did o Bazdid, too, just as the Los Angeles crowd have everything else abour Iranians! That's your prerogative. I guess we really should have been there, as the photos don't convey any festivity. Looking at this event thourgh your photos doesn't stir any positive feelings about Norooz in me, I'm sorry. It seems like a bunch of Iranians took their dogs out for a walk and called it did o bazdid.

Funny...

Funny how Los Angeles brings out negative feelings in some of our hamvatans...  At least the folks who were there didn't feel negative! that's why the Mayor praised all of us.

There was a plane circling the westwood sky pulling a banner with an Iranian flag (shiro khorsheed) and a Norouz greeting. There were dancers and Haji Firooz in the morning (which I missed too). Mr Yazdi (Dehkhoda book store's owner) was giving away books and cassette tapes for free. There was free tea right behind the 7sin for everyone, people were happy to see each other, they were dancing in groups right on the street and a lot of the folks know one another and were greeting each other with saleh no mobarak greetings. So why so negative Malileh? why not call it did o bazdid?

it was not a parade, it was not an official show (Mohammadi voluntarily went up from the crowd and sang) and maybe people didn't want theirs or their kids pictures to be taken by strangers. Besides, people with dogs usually are friendly and love to take pictures with their pets.

I am glad I went there. It was a great friendly crowd with happy faces and good vibes.  

IRANdokht

PS: Antonio Villaraigosa (the LA Mayor) also called the city Tehrangeles  :o)

Tehrangeles style!

Why is it called Did o Bazdid? Did o Bazdid of strangers on the street? And what's up with all the dog photos?! Are dogs now a part of the proud Norooz traditions?!