Each and every culture has a unique way of celebrating the beginning of a year. Jamshed Navroz is one of those many festivals that marks the new year of the Zoroastrians. It is the new year of the Persians the word Navroz itself means New Day, ‘Nav’ means new ‘roz’ means day. The festival is celebrated with much vim and vigor and it dates back 3,000 years. It is still celebrated as New Year as it marks the beginning of the Iranian and the Zoroastrians' New Year. Just like any other festival, Jamshedi Navroz holds much significance in the lives of the people.
Even though the festival is celebrated across the globe in March it arrives in India 200 days late. It is celebrated in India around August, and with much enthusiasm. Delicious food and yummy drinks form an integral part of this festival and the whole festival revolves around merry-making. It is also customary for people to visit friends and relatives and exchange lovely gifts on this occasion. This festival is a holy day for the Zoroastrians and many rituals and customs are an inseparable part of it. Preparing meals and dining together is a significant part of the festivities. This signifies their unity as in ancient times the people believed that sharing food and dining together eradicated any ill intentions. Hence, dining was seen as one of the most essential aspects of the festival. The dining table is decorated in special ways with Half Seen, Half Mewa, and Khoncha which is a must. The festival like any other festival has much impact on its people and its historical significance makes it one of a kind.
The festival adopts its name from the Persian ruler Jamshed who is credited for creating the Persian or Sahenshahi Calendar. As the legend says it is believed that the king of Persia Jamshed saved the world from the apocalypse that took the form of winter and advanced with the intention to kill the people. It is said that King Jamshed with his wisdom used a studded throne with precious stones and raised it to Heaven. He used the shoulders of the demons to make the throne reach the heavens so that it could shine and reflect the bright rays of the sun. That day he shone brighter than the sun and winter was defeated. Hence the day is called ‘Navroz’ and this is how it receives its name Jamshedi Navroz.
The position of the sun plays a big role in determining the date of this event which is of great significance. A popular custom included weighing the King in gold and other precious elements and then distributing these items among the poor and needy. It is also important because the Parsis believe that it is on this day that the whole universe came into existence in its new form. Many myths and stories also surround this festival because of its varied history and the significance it holds in the calendar of the world.
Living far off from your family on a festival like Jamshedi Navroz can be taxing or depressing. But there might be issues that can’t be resolved. Hence, your participation remains empty but you can still be a part of the celebration. Festivals are all about spreading happiness and being happy. Thus, you can send gifts to your family members and make them feel special and participate in the festival with all mirth.
