In India, the Parsi New Year is annually celebrated on August 16th. This is a regional holiday in India that signifies the start of a new year according to the ‘Shahenshahi’ calendar. This calendar system is observed by the Indian Parsi community, which resides primarily in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Parsi families from all over the region come together to pray at their sacred fire temples. Traditional Parsi dishes are prepared, including farcha, jardaloo poultry, and berry pulav. On this day, many Parsis begin anew by cleaning their homes, washing their clothing, making donations, and exchanging gifts.
The background of Parsi New Year
Jamshed, an ancient Sasanian king, is commemorated by the Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowroz. It is believed that he established the Persian or Shahenshahi calendar. According to legend, he prevented a potentially catastrophic catastrophe. According to the legend, he had a throne embedded with jewels, ascended to the heavens, and fought demons. At that very moment, he shone as brightly as the sun, hence the symbolism of a new beginning for Persia in the Parsi New Year.
Historically, the Parsi New Year began around 3,500 years ago as part of their Zoroastrianism religion, which was founded in 650 to 600 B.C. in Persia, or modern-day Iran, by the Prophet Zarathustra. This regional holiday has its origins in the Zoroastrian philosophy, which holds that all things in the universe are reborn each year. The holiday is founded on the beginning of the ‘Fasli’ or ‘Bastnai’ calendar, which marks the beginning of the annual Spring Equinox. This festival is celebrated by Zoroastrians not only in Iran, but also in other Middle Eastern nations where this religion is prominent. A thousand years before the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, Zoroastrianism dominated the ancient world.
After the Muslim conquest of Persia, Nowruz reemerged as a result of the revival of the Iranian dynasties. In 1079 A.D., the astronomer Omar Khayyam and a group of scholars established the ‘Jalali’ calendar, which began on the day we now call Nowruz. The Parsi New Year remains one of the most significant religious celebrations in the globe. Nowruz was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.
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PARSI NEW YEAR’S EVENTS
Go to Agiary
On the day of Nowruz, Parsis visit the ‘Agiary’ or commonly known as the fire temple. However, only Jews are permitted. This is one of the most common ways that Parsi families celebrate Nowruz on August 16th.
Clean your dwelling
As a symbol of a fresh start, there is no better way to begin anew than by cleansing your home. Utilise this opportunity to perform general house cleaning; you can launder clothes, sweep floors, and dispose of unwanted items.
Enjoy traditional dishes
What is a New Year’s celebration without an assortment of exquisite foods? Begin the year by preparing the most delectable Parsi cuisine. Make this day a family bonding experience in the kitchen. From egg pattice to Patra Ni Macchi, the options are virtually limitless!
5 FACTS REGARDING PARSI NEW YEAR
The celebration on August 16 is founded on the leap year-insensitive Shahensahi Calendar.
Today, there are approximately 0.2 million Zoroastrians in the globe.
‘Navroz’ or ‘Nowruz’ is derived from two Persian words: ‘nav’ for ‘new’ and ‘roz’ for ‘day.’
As part of their tradition, they serve dishes that begin with the sounds’sha’ or’sa’ to represent the seven-day creation of the Earth.
On this day, it is customary for Parsis to keep a fire burning in a bowl of water to symbolise purification and abundant prosperity.
PARSI NEW YEAR DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 16 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | August 16 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 16 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 16 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 16 | Monday |
