NAZC 2024
The North American Zoroastrian Congress is the premier conference of note in the field for Zarathushtis of North America. The XVIII North American Zoroastrian Congress will take place in Houston, TX, December 29, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025. While Congress is labeled “North American,” the presenters and attendees are global, and across multiple generations. The theme for the Congress in Houston is “Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence.”
PROGRAM
The Program Committee is excited to present a rich and rewarding experience that meaningfully showcases the theme of the XVII North American Zoroastrian Congress. At NAZC 2024, you will have the opportunity to connect, explore, and hear the voices of multiple generations. Choose from presentations and speakers, informal talks, panel discussions, and explore some hot topics. Programs on 10-year Zarathushti outlook, advocacy of Zoroastrianism, and thought-provoking topics and issues will spark vibrant dialogue between different ages. A fresh perspective, first-hand insights, and countless connections are just some of the things you will experience.
One of the goals for the Congress is “40 under 40” which is to have 40% of the attendees to be under the age of 40, resulting in interactive sessions that are developed by the Youth and the Young Adult Committee.
All Delegates can expect dynamic speakers: experts and lay people, who will provide much food for thought with lectures and interactive panel discussions on various topics related to our religion, history, culture, and contemporary existence. The use of technology will facilitate the immediate exchange of ideas and opinions from the audience.
To facilitate the attendance of parents of young children and provide value for the registration of children, Congress will offer a religious education program for children aged 5-12 years and teen-tweens program for children aged 12-17 years. It will allow children to learn about their religion and culture in an age-appropriate and pleasurable manner while allowing parents to enjoy adult Congress sessions that are of interest to them.
CALL TO ACTION
As we gather and celebrate our 18th NAZC 2024, we consider the path that’s made us the flourishing community we are today and plot a course forward to a sustainable future. NAZC 2024 promises to be a spectacle of creativity, informative and entertaining, and your contribution is essential! We want to showcase and share your latest developments with the Zarathushti world. We encourage you to explore our programs and submit your thoughts about a potential topic for a presentation.
Here is a TENTATIVE Schedule to assist with your travel plans but please be aware that this may change and should not be deemed as final. We will publish the final schedule as and when determined by the appropriate individuals.
Schedule (tentative) of Events:
| Date | Day | Time | Period | Event | Comments |
| 12/27/2024 | Friday | TBD | Pre-Congress | Youth and Young Adults (Y&YA) Activities | Activities TBD |
| 12/28/2024 | Saturday | TBD | Y&YA Pre-Congress Activities, WZCC day | Activities TBD | |
| 12/29/2024 | Sunday | TBD | NAZC 2024 | NAZC2024 Opening ceremony, Keynotes, “Visions of Paradise” and NAZC2024 Gala night | Various activities being planned on all days |
| 12/30/2024 | Monday | TBD | Hilarious Gujarati/Parsi Play at Night, separate Y&YA event | ||
| 12/31/2024 | Tuesday | TBD | Closing Ceremony, NYE 2024 Gala Banquet | ||
| 01/01/2025 | Wednesday | TBD | Grand Behram Roj Jashan, BOI at Atash Kadeh followed by lunch at ZHCC for event attendees | ||
| 01/02/2025 – 01/06/2025 | Thursday & Monday | TBD | Post-Congress Cruise | Please call Farida Divecha at (281) 492-3772 or e-mail at Divecha.farida@aaa-texas.com |
ENTERTAINMENT
Another important goal of the Congress is to facilitate friendships among Zarathushti youth in North America. To that end, we will offer events before the start of the Congress to optimize the time you can spend with friends new and old, in addition to the social events that are scheduled during and Post Congress. Some of the highlights are:
- Pre-Congress WZCC and Youth & Young Adults events and outings
- Internationally renowned artists / celebrities expected
- Opening Ceremony includes “Visions of Paradise”
- Hilarious Gujarati Play
- Superb entertainment every day with a flavor for all ages
- Post-Congress Cruise (Details coming soon)
GRAND “BEHRAM ROJ” JASHAN and Lunch (Only for Delegates)
A riveting prayer ceremony will open the Congress with all Ervads present, including the 20+ from Houston will participate. Congress Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend a Grand “Behram Roj” Jashan at the ZAH Bhandara Atash Kadeh on January 1, 2025 and a visit to the Zarathushti Heritage and Cultural Center, home of FEZANA Information Research Education Service (FIRES).
REGISTRATION
Expected to open mid-year 2024; please stay tuned for details
STAY INFORMED
Information is available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever.