The Parsis of India are a minority who came to India from Iran centuries ago. They follow the ancient Zoroastrian faith having retained many of their customs over the years. According to the Fasli calendar, the New Year known as Jamshed-E-Navroz is the first day of the year for Zoroastrians. The festival which falls on March 21st is enthusiastically celebrated by the Parsis with a great deal of fervour and joy.
The festival has ancient roots, having been observed as early as the 6th century BC in the time of renowned Persian monarchs like Darius and Cyrus. In fact the festival is traced back to times of legend, when the king Jamshedji ascended to the Persian throne on the occasion of Navroz.
Many age-old customs are observed by Parsis on this special day. The day is commenced by cleaning and tidying the house, sweeping out the cobwebs and often painting the entire home. All the members of the family attire themselves in new clothes. Windows and doors are adorned with garlands of jasmine and roses, while thresholds and steps are decorated with coloured powders, in the shape of attractive patterns.
Food is an important aspect of the festival, with many traditional culinary preparations being featured. Parsi cuisine is considered to be a blend of Indian and West Asian cookery styles, but is unique and distinctive. The popular dish known as Rava is prepared by cooking milk, Sooji and sugar together. As the mixture becomes thick, it is flavoured by adding grated nutmeg and rose water. Another customary preparation is fried vermicelli, which is boiled in sugar syrup and then sprinkled with raisins and almonds.
Worship is a vital part of the occasion, and Parsis visit the fire temples and offer sticks of sandalwood to the sacred fire. All of the faithful cover their heads in the temple; men wear black velvet cap-like headwear, women cover their heads with their saris and children wear silver and gold caps of brocade.
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