Parsi New Year, likewise known as Navroz or Nowruz, is commemorated to mark the beginning of the Iranian calendar. In Persian, ‘Nav’ means new, and ‘Roz’ stands for the day, which actually equates to ‘new day’. The tradition is believed to have actually been commemorated for the past 3,000 years, and is observed by Iranians and the Parsi neighborhood all over the world. The most popular Navroz celebrations happen in Maharashtra and Gujarat in India on account of a significant Parsi population living there. Navroz falls in the month of August, according to the Gregorian calendar. This year it’s being celebrated on August 16.
Why is Navroz commemorated in India in August?
Navroz is celebrated in March internationally, nevertheless, in India, the Shahenshahi calendar is followed that doesn’t represent leap years, for this reason Navroz arrives 200 days later on, in August.
Navroz is also known as Jamshed-i-Navroz, after the Persian King, Jamshed. The king is credited with having developed the Persian calendar, or the Shahenshahi calendar. Legend tells the tale of Jamshed conserving the world from an armageddon that can be found in the kind of a winter, destined to eliminate everyone. The king utilized a throne studded with valuable gems and rose to the paradises on the shoulders of demons where he shone brighter than the sun, and hence a brand-new day was born, called Navroz.
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On this day, people pray for everybody’s success and health as they spend the day decluttering their homes, minds and hearts of all things unnecessary. This is a version of spring cleansing that happens a day prior to Navroz, and is known as Pateti.
The Parsi neighborhood dresses up in their standard attire, decorate their houses and prepare scrumptious food consisting of Prawn Patio, Mori Dar, Patra Ni Macchi, Haleem, Akoori, Berry Pulao, Patra ni Machhi and more. Parsis also go to the Fire Temple (Agiary) and deal fruits, sandalwood, milk and flowers on this auspicious day.
Although this year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, it might be a little bit difficult to meet your family and friends and given that hopefully everyone is leaving their homes only when needed.
