Parsi New Year 2018: Food, festivity, significance of Nowruz
New Delhi : It’s time for fun, food and festivity as the Parsi community worldwide is celebrating Parsi New Year today (August 17). The day is dedicated to clean home and surroundings in an attempt to start a new fresh year ahead. On this occasion, they visit the fire temples, Zoroastrianism place of worship and apologize for the mistakes they had committed last year.
Why do we celebrate Parsi New Year?
History says that the Parsi community had migrated to India and began to follow Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions which follow monotheistic faith. This religion was founded by Prophet Zarathustra in ancient Iran 3,500 years ago. Zoroastrians migrated to India to run away from harassment following the Muslim conquest of Persia as Iran. Parsi means Persian in Gujarati and it marks the first day of the year for this community.
How do we celebrate Parsi New Year?
In India, Parsi community people celebrate this day as Jamshed-i-Nouroz, which is named after the Persian king Jamshed who started the Parsi calendar.
Homely parties are arranged and guests are greeted by sprinkling rose water. Other than merry making, many families also make donations for charitable reasons.
Sessions of special prayers and religious rituals are organized on Nowruz, also known as Iranian New Year's Day. Devotees put on new clothes and make colourful Rangolis outside their homes to mark the celebrations.
Parsi New Year recipes
Coming to food section, mouth-watering dishes, salty and sweet items are prepared as a part of Nowruz celebrations. Sumptuous moong dal, dhansak, prawns, machchi no patio, mutton pulao, saas ni machchi, marghi na farcha, patra nu machli, sali boti, berry pulao, jardaloo chicken, kid gosht, cutlets, mawa ni boi, lagan nu custard, and Sali boti are some must-have items on the auspicious day. Parsi New Year is a regional holiday in Maharashtra and Goa.
