Navroz Mubarak: Significance of the Parsi New Year and the Grand Feast

One may come across Navroz celebrations twice in a year. This is because the first Navroz, which falls on the spring equinox - March, signifies the beginning of spring and the New Year according to the Iranian calendar. The Zoroastrians of Pakistan and India follow another calendar known as the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not account for leap years. As such, the New Year falls 200 days ahead and is usually celebrated in July-August and is known as Jamshed-i-Nouroz, named after the Persian king Jamshed who started the Parsi calendar, or Parsi New Year. This year, Navroz falls on 17th August, 2017.

^{Lagan Sara Lamb; Photo Credit: iStock}

Like other cultures, Parsis too celebrate their New Year with much fervour. It signifies a new beginning and hence the Parsis clean their houses, decorate them with flowers and rangoli, wear new clothes and visit the fire temple to offer their gratitude. Lavish feasts are prepared and families and friends come together to indulge and celebrate.

On the festive menu, you will find popular Parsi dishes like Egg Pattice, Patra Nu Machi, Sali Boti, Berry Pulav, Jardaloo Chicken, mutton curry, cutlets, chutneys, Mithu Dahi, Farcha, Lagan nu Custard, Mawa ni Boi, and many other lip-smacking delicacies. The Parsis love for non-vegetarian dishes as well as desserts is well-known. To experience Parsi food, there's no better place than heading to a Parsi family's place and enjoying a home-cooked meal. Preparations start a day in advance to ensure that all the dishes are prepared perfectly and full of flavour.