The Beginning of a New Year in the Iranian Calendar: Navroz

Outline of Parsi New Year

On August 16, the Parsi community of India celebrates the Parsi New Year. In other parts of the world, the Parsi New Year is celebrated in the month of March, but in India, it is celebrated in the month of August. This day is also known as Navroz or Nowroz. Navroz literally means a 'new day'. On this day, the Parsi community will get together with their relatives and loved ones to mark the commencement of the Iranian calendar.

It is believed that from the past 3,000 years, this New Year has been celebrated and it holds enormous significance for the Parsi community. In India, a large Parsi population resides in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and the community celebrates this day in a grand manner by wearing new traditional clothes, eating delicacies, meeting relatives, and exchanging gifts.

The Beginning of a New Year in the Iranian Calenda

History

Many academics are of the view that the Parsi New Year originated between 3,500 and 3,000 BC. During that period, the Prophet Zarathustra established Zoroastrianism in today's Iran. This day, for followers of Zoroastrian philosophy, represents the rebirth of the cosmos. The name Navroz is said to be derived from Jamshed, a monarch of the ancient Sasanian empire.

What Is Zoroastrianism?

Zoroastrianism is one of the earliest known monotheistic faiths practised by Parsis. It was founded in ancient Iran by Prophet Zarathustra over 3,500 years ago. It was considered the official religion of Persia (today's Iran) from 650 BC till the rise of Islam in the 7th century. In the ancient world, it was one of the most important faiths for more than 1,000 years. Many Zoroastrians fled from Persia to India (Gujarat) and Pakistan when they were attacked by the invading Islamic troops. It is estimated that worldwide there are 2.6 million Zoroastrians worldwide. The largest single group of Parsis are in India. Zoroastrians (Parsis) are one of the notified minority communities in India.

According to Zoroastrians, Ahura Mazda (wise lord) is the supreme god who made the world. The Avesta is the name of the primary collections of the religious texts of Zoroastrianism.

Navroz, Celebrated Twice a Year

Navroz is also called as Parsi New Year. In Persian, 'Nav' means 'new' and 'Roz' means the 'day', which literally means a 'new day'. Globally, the Parsi New Year is celebrated in March; in India, Navroz is celebrated 200 days later in the month of August as the Parsi community here follows the Shahenshahi calendar that doesn't consider leap years. In the Zoroastrian calendar, the Parsi New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month of Farvardin. In India, this day is also known as Jamshed-i-Navroz, after the Persian King, Jamshed. On this day, King Jamshid was crowned as the King of Persia.

The Shahenshahi calendar was created by king Jamshed. People of India and Pakistan celebrate the new year twice a year - first they celebrate per the Iranian calendar and then per the Shahenshahi calendar. Iranians and Zoroastrian around the world observes the tradition.

Parsis consider the Parsi New Year to be very lucky, and many choose to start new ventures on this day as their new year begins. A wide variety of traditional dishes are prepared and served, including Berry Pulao, Farcha, and Jardaloo Chicken. The day is also marked as a time for reflection and self-examination, and as a day to cleanse oneself. The community clean their houses and wash their clothing.

The members also give charitable donations. On Navroz, they make a pilgrimage to the 'Agiary' or the sacred fire temple. At the fire temple, they offer milk, flowers, fruits, and sandalwood to remove negativity from their lives. And, on this day, Parsis keep a fire lit in a bowl of water indicating cleansing and abundant wealth.

Navroj was included in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of India in 2009. This list is composed of those intangible heritage elements that help show diversity of cultural heritage and promote awareness about its importance.