TEHRAN -- Azeri professor Maya Farajova believes that Noruz (Iranian New Year) has the potential to become an international ceremony.

Speaking during the recently concluded first International Festival of the Common Heritage of Caspian Sea Littoral Nations, the professor added, “I can say with no doubt that Noruz will soon become an international ceremony in the future.”

Farajova expressed regret that the Republic of Azerbaijan has banned the Noruz ceremony so that Azeris are obliged to celebrate Noruz at home.

“I am happy that Noruz has stayed alive despite the 72 years of Soviet influence in Azerbaijan,” the professor added.

The first International Festival of the Common Heritage of Caspian Sea Littoral Nations was held from April 17 to 19 in the cities of Ramsar, Babol, and Sari in Iran’s Mazandaran Province.

Thirty-two foreign researchers from eleven countries and about fifty Iranian scholars participated in the scientific section of the festival, in which the issue of Noruz was discussed.

Organized by the Mazandaran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department (MCHTD), the festival included a scientific conference, handicrafts and photo exhibitions, a Noruzkhani ceremony, and film screenings.

Noruzkhani consists of performances featuring songs about Noruz and spring.