Navroz, also known as Nowruz or Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and symbolises renewal, growth, and rejuvenation. Celebrated by diverse communities across the world, Navroz holds cultural and historical significance dating back thousands of years.
It is a time of joyous festivities, feasting, and sharing with loved ones, reflecting on the past year's blessings and looking forward to new beginnings. Through traditional rituals, music, dance, and culinary delights, Navroz brings communities together to embrace unity, diversity, and the spirit of hope for a prosperous year ahead.
Navroz, the Parsi New Year, has been named after the legendary king of Persia who was also the fourth Shah of the Pishdadian dynasty of Persia. Navroz also goes by the name of Jamshed Navroz.
The word Jamshed Navroz is a combination of Jamshed, the man who started the Parsi Calendar, and Navroz meaning a new day.
This festival is celebrated by different communities and people belonging to many faiths for more than 7,000 years in western and central Asia. Usually, it is a secular holiday for most people and is observed with great fervour.
History of Navroz
The festival marks New Year as per Zoroastrianism. The Parsi community follows this religion which is one of the oldest known monotheistic religions. Zoroastrianism was founded by Prophet Zarathustra about 3,500 years ago.
Moreover, it is also important to know that it was the official religion of Persia from 650 BCE until the rise of Islam which dawned during the 7th century. Yes, as per the historical records, when the Islamic armies invaded Persia many of the Zoroastrians had to migrate to places such as Gujarat and Pakistan. Currently, there are about 2.6 million Zoroastrians worldwide.
Major Attractions Of Navroz Festival
1. Celebrations of Navroz
People from various religious backgrounds and traditions take part in the festivities. It represents a yearly renewal and cleansing of energies in our universe. On the day of Navroz, all the people get up early in the morning to clean their houses. They wear new clothes and distribute gifts. People also indulge in charity for those in need.
2. Traditions
This festival is essentially celebrated with great fervor among people who visit the fire temples to pray for prosperity and seek forgiveness for their sins. Devotees enjoy delicious meals prepared especially for this purpose like - moong daal, Pulav, and many other varieties of mouth-watering dishes. An important tradition that is specifically observed on this day is of gathering around the table where all the family members gather in a common room decorated with objects symbolizing purity, brightness, and wealth.
3. Navroz Food and Clothes
On the vibrant festival of Navroz, the women folk wear traditional Gara Saree, and men generally wear their new and best clothes. However, their traditional clothing includes a long muslin shirt also known as sudra and Kusti, loose cotton trousers, and a waistcoat prepared from a white cloth along with a china silk skull cap.
For celebrating Navroz, food plays a very significant part. Some of the traditional Parsi delicacies prepared on this day include dhansak, Meethi Sev Dahi, prawns, Farcha, berry pulao, and more.
How to Reach
Navroz traces its roots back to ancient Persia which is the Iran of current times and is celebrated in 17 countries. And in India, it is a holiday typically observed in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
By Air
If you are planning to visit Mumbai via air, then you will need to deboard at the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. This airport has very good connectivity with other Indian cities. After deboarding your flight, you can easily hire a cab, bus, or auto to reach your destination.
By Train
You can also plan to travel to Mumbai via train as well. As per your convenience, you can consider deboarding at Mumbai Central, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar, Kurla, and then further take a cab to reach your place.
By Road
You can also consider traveling to Mumbai via roadways. The connecting roads to other cities and states are very well maintained. If you are residing in nearby regions, then you can easily cover the distance by hiring a cab, bus, or by your own car.
Conclusion
Navroz embodies the spirit of renewal, unity, and cultural diversity, symbolising hope for a prosperous year ahead. Through vibrant festivities and cherished traditions, it brings communities together to celebrate life, embrace shared values, and foster a sense of belonging and optimism for the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Navroz
Q1. What is Navroz?
A1. Navroz, also known as Nowruz or Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated as the first day of the Persian calendar year.
Q2. When is Navroz celebrated?
A2. Navroz is typically celebrated on or around March 21st, coinciding with the vernal equinox.
Q3. How is Navroz celebrated?
A3. Navroz celebrations vary across different cultures, but common traditions include cleaning and decorating homes, visiting friends and family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals.
Q4. What are some traditional Navroz foods?
A4. Traditional Navroz foods vary by region, but some common dishes include sabzi polo (herb rice), mahi (fish), baklava, and samanu (wheat germ pudding).
Q5. What is the significance of Navroz?
A5. Navroz symbolises new beginnings, renewal, and the arrival of spring. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.
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