Navroz 2024: Date, History, Significance and Celebration of Parsi New Year in India

Navroz 2024

Navroj is a festival of new beginnings, which marks the victory of light over darkness. It is the Persian or Iranian New year celebrated by people of different ethnicities worldwide. It is celebrated twice a year in India according to Shahenshahi and Iranian calendars. 

The word Nowruz is made up of two Parisian words now means ‘new’ and ruz means ‘day’ so the meaning of Nowruz/Navroz is ‘a new day’. This festival comes on the spring equinox (vernal equinox) as per Iranian Solar Hijri calendar on or around March 21st. Navroj or Nowruz is considered a holy day for Baha’is, Zoroasteians and some Muslim communities around the world. This festival is observed in countries like India, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan which are along the ancient silk route.

Date and Timings of Navroz 2024

Navroz 2024

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Navroj or Nowruz is a Farsi word which means ‘new day’, and marks the beginning of the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. The Parsi new year is celebrated around 19th – 21st March on the vernal equinox every year. Navroj 2024 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 20th March at the exact moment of the vernal equinox in Tehran, Iran. Although the UN acknowledges 21st March as the International Nowruz day to emphasise its cultural significance and global acceptance. Here is a list of specific timings for Nowruz 2024 in different locations:

  • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: March 20, 2024, at 9:06 AM
  • Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: March 20, 2024, at 8:06 AM
  • Tirana, Albania: March 20, 2024, at 4:06 AM
  • Tbilisi, Georgia: March 20, 2024, at 7:06 AM
  • Baghdad, Iraq: March 20, 2024, at 7:06 AM
  • Damascus, Syria: March 20, 2024, at 6:06 AM

Navroj 2024 Date in India: Nowruz will be observed in India on two different dates due to following different calendars. The first date is 20th March 2024 which aligns  with the global observance of spring equinox according to the Solar Hijri calendar. The second date is 15th of August 2024 which follows the Shahenshahi calendar. Leap years are not calculated in the Shahenshahi calendar that is why it is a unique tradition of the Indian Parsi communities to celebrate this festival two times in a year. 

History and Significance of Navroz

Navroz

The roots of Nowruz can be found in one of the ancient religions of the world, Zoroastrianism in old Persia. The festival has been celebrated here for approx 3000 years. It is believed that in this time the physical rejuvenation occurs and spirits get renewed. The written record of this festival was first observed in Persian texts of the first century CE. It was part of Parthian Empire under the Arsacid Dynasty when the first description about Navroj was found. It is said that when spring comes after harsh winter it is a victory of good over evil. The time of Navroj is also associated with the life of a Persian mythological king, Jamshid. It is mentioned in a book called Shah-nameh (book of Kings) written by poet Ferdowsi. It is said that the king created a throne with jewels. That throne rose in the sky and that day was declared as the nowruz. It is believed in India that dead people’s souls return to earth on thi day. Muslims believe that God sent an angel called Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad on this day. It is observed that Nowruz is celebrated in the regions like South Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin by 3000 million people globally. Navroj symbolises the beginning of spring and renewal of nature. The festival emphasises on solidarity, religious tolerance, brotherhood and universal peace. Festival aims to bring people together and increase harmony between them. In 2010 the UN officially acknowledged Nowruz as a symbol of global unity and cultural exchange. 

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Celebration of Navroz Traditions and customs 

Parsi people pray to God and memorise their family members who have died and their ancestors because it is believed by these people that souls of dead people return to the earth to be with their loved ones and bless them. People clean their houses, wear new clothes and decorate their houses and workplaces with beautiful things. They make rangolis and decorate the house with flowers. People do a family activity called Haft-Seen table in which they spread a special cloth on a table and place 7 things starting with the letter S like:

  • Sirkeh (vinegar): Represents age and patience that often comes with ageing
  • Sikkeh (coin):  For wealth and prosperity
  • Seer (garlic): For good health
  • Seeb (apples): For health and natural beauty
  • Sabzeh (wheat): For rebirth, renewal and good fortune
  • Samanu (wheat pudding): A sweet dessert for wealth, fertility and the sweetness of life
  • Sumac (berries): For the sunrise and the celebration of a new day

Apart from these things a mirror is also placed. People go to the temples to pray and worship the god. Celebration occurs with the best food eaten together at home or outdoors. Some special cuisines are Farcha, Patra ni macchi, Ravo, and Jardaloo chicken for Navroj celebrations. 

India is home to 57,264 Parsi people as per the 2011 census. Parsi New year is celebrated mainly in Gujarat and Maharashtra where most of the Prasi people of India live. 

FAQs:-

1. What is Navroz?
Navroz, also known as Nowruz, is the Persian New Year celebrated to mark the arrival of spring and new beginnings.

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2. When is Navroz celebrated?
Navroz is celebrated around 19th – 21st March annually, coinciding with the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere.

3. How is Navroz celebrated in India?
In India, Navroz is celebrated with prayers, cleaning homes, wearing new clothes, decorating with rangolis and flowers, and preparing special dishes.

4. Why is Navroz celebrated twice in India?
Navroz is celebrated twice in India due to following different calendars: the Solar Hijri calendar and the Shahenshahi calendar.

5. What is the significance of the Haft-Seen table?
The Haft-Seen table is a traditional part of Navroz celebrations where seven items, all starting with the letter “S,” symbolize different aspects of life.

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6. What are some traditional Navroz dishes?
Traditional Navroz dishes include Farcha, Patra ni macchi, Ravo, and Jardaloo chicken, among others.

7. How is Navroz observed globally?
Navroz is observed in various countries along the ancient silk route, including India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central Asian nations.

8. Who celebrates Navroz?
Navroz is celebrated by people of Persian, Iranian, and Zoroastrian descent, as well as by Baha’is and some Muslim communities.

9. What does the word “Navroz” mean?
“Navroz” is derived from two Persian words: “now,” meaning “new,” and “ruz,” meaning “day,” symbolizing the start of a new day or year.

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10. How long has Navroz been celebrated?
Navroz has been celebrated for approximately 3000 years, with roots in Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia.

11. What is the spiritual significance of Navroz?
Navroz symbolizes the victory of good over evil, renewal of nature, and spiritual rejuvenation.

12. Why is Navroz considered a holy day for Baha’is and Zoroastrians?
Navroz is significant for Baha’is and Zoroastrians due to its association with spiritual renewal and the start of a new year.

13. Is Navroz a public holiday in India?
Navroz is not a public holiday in India but is widely celebrated by Parsi communities in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra.

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14. What are some common Navroz greetings?
Common Navroz greetings include “Navroz Mubarak” or “Happy Navroz,” conveying wishes for a prosperous new year.

15. How do Parsis commemorate Navroz?
Parsis commemorate Navroz by attending prayers, visiting temples, spending time with family, and sharing festive meals.

16. What are the seven items on the Haft-Seen table?
The seven items on the Haft-Seen table are Sirkeh (vinegar), Sikkeh (coin), Seer (garlic), Seeb (apples), Sabzeh (wheat), Samanu (wheat pudding), and Sumac (berries).

17. Why do Parsis pray for their ancestors during Navroz?
Parsis believe that during Navroz, the souls of their ancestors return to bless their loved ones, leading to prayers and remembrance rituals.

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18. How is Navroz different from other New Year celebrations?
Navroz is distinct for its association with Persian culture, Zoroastrian traditions, and the significance of the spring equinox.

19. Are there any special rituals associated with Navroz?
Special rituals include cleaning homes, wearing new clothes, visiting temples, and preparing symbolic dishes for the Haft-Seen table.

20. What is the message of Navroz for humanity?
Navroz emphasizes unity, religious tolerance, brotherhood, and universal peace, fostering harmony among people worldwide.

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