1 Nawranj Iranian Association (NIA) is a University of Toronto non-profit organization bringing Iranian arts and cultural experiences to Toronto. We are a group of young, enthusiastic volunteers with an open-minded philosophy looking to bring all cultures together with a common understanding and vision. Our main goal is to arrange unique events to promote cross- cultural dialogue and understanding among different ethnic communities through art and culture. Any profits gained from our events are used to help charity organizations or to support fundamental changes in deprived regions of the world. The Project: Silk Road Dance Performance (October 29, 2011): Nawranj Iranian Association and Kahrizak Foundation of Canada are presenting the Silk Road Dance Performance by the Montreal-based Khorshid Khanom Dance Group founded by Ms. Aram Bayat in 1988. This dance company has been working to preserve and perform traditional Persian folk dances and this performance will feature dances from other regions along the ancient Silk Road including China, India and Azerbaijan. You can become a sponsor for the Silk Road Dance Performance on a Bronze, Silver, gold or Nawranj level. (Please refer to the table below.) We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this great event. While many of us are donating our time and skills to this great cause, presenting these events would not be possible without your financial support. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Kahrizak Foundation of Canada to help MS patient in care of this organization. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $50.00.
Transcript
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Nawranj Iranian Association (NIA) is a University of Toronto non-profit organization bringing Iranian arts and
cultural experiences to Toronto. We are a group of young, enthusiastic volunteers with an open-minded philosophy
looking to bring all cultures together with a common understanding and vision.
Our main goal is to arrange unique events to promote cross- cultural dialogue and understanding among different
ethnic communities through art and culture. Any profits gained from our events are used to help charity organizations
or to support fundamental changes in deprived regions of the world.
The Project:
Silk Road Dance Performance (October 29, 2011):Nawranj Iranian Association and Kahrizak Foundation of
Canada are presenting the Silk Road Dance Performance by the Montreal-based Khorshid Khanom Dance Group
founded by Ms. Aram Bayat in 1988. This dance company has been working to preserve and perform traditional
Persian folk dances and this performance will feature dances from other regions along the ancient Silk Road
including China, India and Azerbaijan.
You can become a sponsor for the Silk Road Dance Performance on a Bronze, Silver, gold or Nawranj level. (Please
refer to the table below.) We would like to thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this great
event. While many of us are donating our time and skills to this great cause, presenting these events would not be
possible without your financial support.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to Kahrizak Foundation of Canada to help MS patient in care of
this organization. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $50.00.
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In the following pages, we would like to share with you some of our previous events, every one of which
was extremely successful and enjoyed by many. We are a fast-growing, creative organization and strive
to create exceptional and unique experiences every year. We hope to see you at our future events!
Orientation Day at University of Toronto (September 7, 2011)
Nawranj planned an event for new students coming to University of Toronto for their first year. We
introduced ourselves as a social outreach resource with fun games, live music and décor, as well as written
information to help familiarize students with the campus and facilities.
Tirgan Festival – Tehran Tea House (July 22-24, 2011)
Tirgan, the largest Iranian bi-annual festival outside of Iran took place at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto,
attracting over 100,000 visitors. Nawranj showcased a traditional Iranian Tea House, “Chaikhaneh” for
Tirgan visitors which became a popular location to visit, have a sip of tea and relax. The Tea house décor,
refreshments and atmosphere truly created an ambiance that reminded our Iranian guests of their “old
days”, many of which included performing artists. Non-Iranian guests loved warm atmosphere and
traditional décor & treats.
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Asia without Borders, an Iranian- Canadian Musical Project (March 11, 2011)
Nawranj, along with Reza and Amir Manbachi, from Chakavak Ensemble, planned a cultural fusion concert
at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts with artists listed below, attracting over 600 people. The
money raised from this event was donated to Kahrizak Foundation of Canada, to benefit Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) patients in care of this organization.
▪ Ostad Hossein Behroozinia, on Barbat (Iranian Bass)
▪ Naghmeh Farahmand, on Daf and Koozeh (Iranian Percussions)
▪ Ed Hanley, on Tabla (Indian Percussion)
▪ XiaoDong Wei, on Erhu (Chinese Fiddle)
▪ Ariel Balevi, from Turkish origin (Story telling)
▪ Manbachi Brothers, co-founders of Chakavak Ensemble®
Reza Manbachi, on Tar (Iranian long necked lute)
Amir Manbachi, on Tombak (Iranian Principle Percussion)
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Mehregan (October 15, 2010)
Mehregan is an ancient Iranian festival celebrated for thousands of years among Iranians portraying
friendship, affection and love among friends and families. Nawranj co-ordinated a Mehregan celebration at
the University of Toronto, including live artist entertainment, Iranian “Awsh” cuisine and a customary table
of seasonal harvest and thanksgiving. This celebration was provided free of charge, making it accessible
to and attracting over 600 visitors. Live artists/performers included:
• Sasan Ghahreman for storytelling, “Naghali”
• Tara Aghdashlou and Siavash Shabanpour for Persian Poetry
• Shahrokh Saeedi and Amir Manbachi for Music Performance
• Ladan Lotfi for Persian Folklore Dance
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Nowruz / Iranian New Year (March 2010)
This Nowruz event was held at University of Toronto to present the Iranian New Year celebration to non-Iranian and Iranian students alike, attracting more than 200 students.
- On New Year’s Eve, a social event and gathering with Persian music, dance and refreshments was held,
building great enthusiasm for the coming “Nowruz” (New Day).
- On New Years Day, a traditional “Haft seen” table with Persian snacks was set up to present the customs
and rituals of this unique celebration. Handouts and Power Point presentation on the roots and rituals of
Nowruz were shared.
Human Rights Soccer Tournament at Varsity (February 2009 and 2010)
These annual events are a hybrid of a soccer tournament incorporated with human rights awareness,
attracting over 150 people. Each tournament starts with a short lecture regarding a specific human right
issue currently happening in the world. The tournament is wrapped up with a prize ceremony for the
