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The Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowroz, commemorates the start of the Iranian calendar year. ‘Nav’ means new in Persian, and ‘Roz’ means day. Therefore, the phrase ‘new day’ actually means ‘new day.’ But what is the story behind the Parsi New Year, and how is it celebrated?
Parsi New Year 2025 dates
In 2025, the Parsi New Year will be celebrated in India on Friday, 15 August.
Navroz is celebrated worldwide in March. However, the Shahenshahi calendar is used in India and does not account for leap years. Therefore, Navroz is celebrated in July or August, depending on the Shahenshahi or Fasli calendar.
Parsi New Year significance
Named after the Persian King Jamshed, Navroz is also known as Jamshed-i-Navroz. The Persian calendar, also known as the Shahenshahi calendar, is said to have been devised by the king. According to legend, Jamshed is said to have saved the world from doom in the shape of a winter that was meant to kill everyone.
The monarch sat on a throne encrusted with beautiful stones and ascended to the sky on the shoulders of demons, shining brighter than the sun. Thus, a new day, known as Navroz, was created.
How is Parsi New Year celebrated?
People spend the day cleaning their houses, brains, and souls of all things unneeded, praying for everyone’s prosperity and good health. Pateti is a type of spring cleaning that occurs a day before Navroz.
On Navroz, Parsis don new, often traditional clothing and visit fire temples to offer prayers and partake in Jashan ceremonies, seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead.
Doorsteps are decorated with intricate rangoli designs, adding vibrant colors to the celebration. Community gatherings and family reunions play a significant role, while charitable acts, such as distributing food and clothing to the less fortunate, embody the community’s dedication to compassion and generosity.
