TEHRAN — The 39th edition of Iran’s National Qur’an and Etrat Festival for Students, initially scheduled for September, has been postponed to a later date, officials confirmed.
The event, which is hosted annually by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology to promote Qur’anic teachings among university students, was set to take place at Islamic Azad University this year.
According to Alireza Zare Shahrabadi, Director-General of Propagation and Religious Affairs at the Supreme Leader’s Office within the university, the decision to delay the festival was made in response to ongoing national circumstances, including the recent military aggression and the timing of the academic calendar. 
September marks the start of the new academic year when students focus on course registration and enrollment, complicating participation.
“The festival’s final round will be rescheduled to ensure a more fitting and well-organized celebration,” Zare Shahrabadi said. The event is now expected to take place in November, with the exact dates to be announced soon.
The Qur’an and Etrat Festival traditionally draws hundreds of student participants from across the country, encouraging engagement with Islamic values and scripture. This year’s festival was expected to involve approximately 400 students competing in various categories.
The postponement has been communicated to all relevant educational authorities to coordinate the updated schedule. Organizers emphasize that the delay aims to uphold the festival’s significance and accommodate students’ academic commitments amid the current situation.