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Nowruz 2022: History, Meaning, Celebration of Iranian New Year

Nowruz 2022: Nowruz or Navroz, the Iranian New Year, which marks the beginning of the spring season, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and enthusiasm among various Parsi communities around the world, including India. The word “now” means new and “ruz” means day, which translates to “a new day”. Nowruz marks the beginning of the Farvardin, the first month of the Solar Hijri calendar and is usually celebrated on March 20 or 21 worldwide. Considered an important day to do good deeds and speak good words, people clean their houses, buy new clothes and cook a balanced spread for their family and friends at this festival. (Also read: Happy Iranian New Year 2022: Wishes, Quotes to Share with Your Friends on Nowruz)

Which countries celebrate Nowruz?

Nowruz is celebrated in many countries with significant Persian cultural influences such as Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia. Nowruz is celebrated by the Kurds in Iraq and Turkey, as well as by the Iranians, Shias and Parsis in the Indian subcontinent in Diaspora. Nowruz is also celebrated in America and Europe, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Toronto, Cologne and London by Iranian communities. In Phoenix, Arizona, Nowruz is celebrated as the Persian New Year festival.

Nowruz celebrates in India

In India, the festival is observed around 16-17 August by the Parsi community according to the Shahenshahi calendar which does not take into account leap year, which means that the holiday has now been moved around 200 days from its original day. Many people celebrate it but also in March.

Some of the traditional Nowruz dishes include Patra Ni Macchi, Akoori, Falooda, Dhansak, Ravo, Sali Boti, Saffron Pulao.

History

The festival of Nowruz is named after the Persian king, Jamshed, who wrote for the creation of the Persian or Shahenshahi calendar. As per legend, Jamshed saved the world from an apocalypse that came in the form of a winter and was destined to kill everyone. According to scriptures, in the realm of King Jamshed, there was no excessive heat or cold and no premature deaths and everyone lived happily ever after. It is said that the festival came to India with a wealthy 18th century merchant from Surat, Nusservanji Kohyaji, who frequently traveled to Iran and started celebrating Nowruz in India.

Holidays

The Parisians dress up their traditional attire, decorate their houses with lights and rangoli and prepare delicious fare. They entertain guests in their homes and also visit their loved ones. Parsis also visits Fire Temple and offers fruit, sandalwood, milk and flowers on this happy day. City festivities include bonfires, festivals, musical performances, poetry readings, and traditional sports.