Nawroz, also known as Nowruz, is an important festival that is celebrated by many communities across the world. It marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and is observed on the spring equinox, which usually falls on 21st March. In India, Nawroz is primarily celebrated by the Parsi community and is considered one of the most significant festivals in their calendar.
The Parsis are a religious and ethnic community that follows the Zoroastrian religion, which originated in ancient Persia. They migrated to India in the 8th and 10th centuries and have since then made the country their home. Nawroz is celebrated by the Parsis as a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope. It is an occasion for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
One of the most prominent customs associated with Nawroz is the setting up of the 'Haft-Seen' table. This is a symbolic display of seven items beginning with the Persian letter 'S' which are believed to represent the seven creations and the seven holy immortals in Zoroastrianism. These items include wheat or barley sprouts (symbolizing rebirth), apples (representing health), garlic (symbolizing medicine), vinegar (representing patience), coins (representing wealth), mirror (representing honesty), and holy book (representing wisdom).
On the day of Nawroz, Parsis also visit the fire temple, which is the central place of worship for the Zoroastrian religion. They offer prayers to the sacred fire and seek blessings for the year ahead. The fire temple is also decorated with flowers and traditional motifs, and special food offerings are made to the deity.
Another important aspect of Nawroz celebrations is the preparation and sharing of traditional Parsi delicacies. These include dishes like dhansak (a spicy lentil and vegetable stew), patra ni machchi (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves), and lagan nu custard (a baked dessert made with milk, eggs, and sugar). Families and friends come together to cook and share these dishes, which are an integral part of Parsi culture.
In recent times, Nawroz celebrations have also become popular among non-Parsi communities in India. The festival is seen as a symbol of unity and cultural bond.
