ALL ABOUT THE ZOROASTRIAN NEW YEAR, NAVROZE

NAVROZE OR NEW YEAR

The advent of spring in the months of February and March and the vernal equinox are the two events that usher the festival of Jamshed-e-Navroz. The actual time when the changes take place is noted down in Iran and the information is passed on all over the world to all Zoroastrians. This festival is mentioned in Shah Nameh, the Persian `Book of Kings' written by Firdausi. According to Firdausi's book, this festival was celebrated by the kings of Persia, Cyrus and Darius, to rejoice in the spring and in their own glory. According to a popular legend, the mythical Persian king Jamshed was the first person to celebrate this festival. The Shah Nameh also states that the feast commemorates the ascension of King Jamshed into the skies, in a chariot built by the demons he had subdued and forced into the service of mortals.

Named after the king, Jamshed-e-Navroz appears to have been a pagan pastoral festival that marked the transition from winter to summer. The rites of fertility and procreation can be perceived in some of its customs. Navroz is a day of joy and celebration. Apart from new clothes, all Parsis wear their gold or silver kustis and caps. Auspicious symbols like fish, birds, butterflies and stars, are patterned on doorways with metallic moulds. Guests are welcomed with sprinkling of rose water and rice. The most traditional drink for Navroz is falooda, which is prepared from milk and flavored with rose petals. The traditional lunch consists of sev and sweet yogurt, followed by pulao.

The meal ends with ravo, a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, an afrigan, a bowl of water containing live fish, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, flowers for color, a silver coin for wealth, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness, are kept on a table. Apart from these, the table also has seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 'sa' symbolizing creation. Jamshed Navroz is a time for Parsis to reiterate their identity in India's melting pot of religions. For many Parsis, this festival also ushers in the New Year. It is on par with Gudi Padva and Ugadi, which are also New Year days in India.

Recipes For Jamshed-e-Navroz

Patrani Machhi
Patrani machhi is one of the most popular and common food made on Jamshed Navroz. Learn how to make this delicacy by browsing through this section. A healthy and nutritious way to eat fish since it is only steamed and not fried!

White Mutton
The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the Zoroastrians all across the world. Evenings are lighted with parties and get-togethers. A number of Parsi foods are also prepared. White mutton is a traditional delicacy considered to be a must-have on this festival. Scroll through this section to know the recipe of making white mutton.

Ravo
To end a meal, ravo is the most popular dessert prepared. Easy to prepare, ravo is a delight to serve on this occasion. To know the method of preparing ravo, go through the lines below.

Chicken Farcha
While serving your guests with Parsi food, do not miss out chicken farcha. A mouth-watering and scrumptious appetizer, chicken farcha makes a great starter and snack as well.

Sali Ma Marghi
Chicken is one of the most popular dishes prepared on Jamshed Navroz. Sali ma marghi is one of them. It is an inviting and delectable preparation that cannot be left out from the festive menu.

Akuri
To start off, begin your Jamshed Navroz celebrations by serving a delicious breakfast. Prepare akuri or akoori (Parsi style scrambled eggs) and let your family and friends get a real feel of the festival.

Parsi Pora
Parsi pora is a special Parsi delicacy prepared with a lot of spices to get an authentic taste. It is one of the favorite preparations for breakfasts on special occasions, Jamshed Navroz being one of them. To get the real festive feel, serve this marvelous Parsi pora with toasted or buttered bread.

Tarapori Patio
People observe Nowruz with great gusto and fervor. Various customs are followed to celebrate this occasion traditionally. This includes preparation of luxurious and delectable delicacies. Tarapori Patio is one of them. It is a curried pickle prepared with dry Bombay duck. This patio is eaten with different preparations.

Russian Pattice
Russian Pattice makes an appetizing and luscious starter as well as a snack for children. Though it is named Russian pattice, it has no link with the Russian community. In fact, the recipe is a favorite among the Parsis.