Why in News?
Navroz (also known as Nowruz) is the Persian New Year, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It is recently in the news as the global Parsi and Irani communities celebrated the festival on March 21, 2026.
Key Information
- Literal Meaning: Derived from Persian words Nav (New) and Roz (Day).
- Origins: Dates back over 3,000 years to the ancient Zoroastrian religion. It is linked to the legendary King Jamshid, who saved the world from a winter destined to kill every living creature.
- UNESCO Recognition: In 2009, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The "Haft-Sin" Table: A central tradition where seven items starting with the letter 'S' are displayed, each symbolizing a hope for the new year:
- Sabzeh (Sprouts): Rebirth and renewal.
- Samanu (Sweet pudding): Affluence/Fertility.
- Senjed (Dried oleaster): Love.
- Seer (Garlic): Medicine/Health.
- Seeb (Apple): Beauty.
- Somarq (Sumac berries): Sunrise/Patience.
- Serkeh (Vinegar): Age and patience.
- Indian Context: In India, the Shahenshahi calendar is followed, meaning the Parsi community often celebrates it twice—once on the Spring Equinox and again in August (due to the lack of leap years in their traditional calendar).
- Traditional Food: Celebrated with specific dishes like Sali Boti (meat with potato matchsticks), Patra ni Machhi (fish in banana leaf), and Falooda.
- Rituals: Includes cleaning homes (Khojaneh Tekani), visiting Fire Temples (Agiyari), and offering prayers for prosperity and the triumph of good over evil.
Download Pdf
