Nowruz or Navroz symbolises the start of the spring season and is widely celebrated by diverse Parsi groups worldwide.
Nowruz or Navroz, the Iranian New Year that celebrates the start of the spring season, is widely celebrated by numerous Parsi groups worldwide, including India. The term ‘now’ refers to something new, while ‘ruz’ refers to a day, which translates as ‘a new day’. Nowruz commemorates the start of Farvardin, the first month of the Solar Hijri calendar, and is often observed worldwide on March 20 or 21. Considered a significant day for good actions and kind words, people clean their homes, purchase new clothing, and prepare an extravagant meal for their family and friends on this holiday.
Which countries celebrate Nowruz?
Nowruz is a national holiday in a number of nations with a strong Persian cultural influence, including Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and portions of Central Asia. Kurds in Iraq and Turkey, as well as Iranis, Shias, and Parsis on the Indian subcontinent and in the diaspora, celebrate Nowruz. Nowruz is also celebrated by Iranian populations in the Americas and Europe, notably Los Angeles, Phoenix, Toronto, Cologne, and London. Nowruz is celebrated as the Persian New Year Festival in Phoenix, Arizona.
Nowruz celebrations in India
In India, the event is held between August 16-17 by the Parsi community, who use the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not include leap years, thus the holiday has been pushed 200 days from its original date. However, many individuals observe it in March as well.
History
Nowruz is named after Jamshed, the Persian ruler credited with inventing the Persian or Shahenshahi calendar. According to folklore, Jamshed averted a global catastrophe that manifested as a winter and was supposed to destroy everyone. According to texts, there was neither severe heat or cold in King Jamshed’s dominion, no early deaths, and everyone lived contentedly. The holiday is supposed to have originated in India thanks to an 18th-century rich trader from Surat, Nusservanji Kohyaji, who often travelled to Iran and initiated Nowruz celebrations in India.
Parsis dress in traditional garb, adorn their houses with lights and rangoli, and make delectable cuisine. They host visitors in their homes and also travel to see their loved ones. On this auspicious day, Parsis also visit the Fire Temple and give fruits, sandalwood, milk, and flowers to the fire. Bonfires, feasts, musical performances, poetry readings, and traditional sports are frequently included in communal celebrations.
