The Navroz festival, also known as the Parsi New Year, was celebrated in India on 16th August. This celebration plays out at different times worldwide, aligning with the vernal equinox, marking the commencement of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s an in-depth perspective on this ancient festival and its significance in India.
About Navroz
Navroz is a fusion of two Persian words, ‘Nav’ interpreted as new, and ‘Roz’, meaning day. Essentially, Navroz symbolizes ‘new day’. This occasion is revered globally during March; however, since Parsis in India adhere to the Shahenshahi calendar, which sidesteps leap years, Navroz is deferred by 200 days and observed in August.
In India, Navroz also goes by the name Jamshed-i-Navroz, named after the Persian King, Jamshed, who crafted the Shahenshahi calendar. The celebration takes place twice annually – first, according to the Iranian calendar, and second, as per the Shahenshahi calendar followed in India and Pakistan. The festival generally transpires between July and August and is venerated by Iranians and Zoroastrians worldwide. In 2009, Navroz was recognized in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of India, celebrated for its cultural diversity and significance.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic faith conceived over 3,500 years ago in ancient Iran by Prophet Zarathustra, is practiced by Parsis. The faith dominated Persia (modern-day Iran) from 650 BCE until the rise of Islam in the 7th century, exerting considerable influence over the ancient world for over 1000 years.
When Islamic forces seized Persia, numerous Zoroastrians sought refuge in India (Gujarat) and Pakistan. The Parsis, Gujarati for Persian, form the most substantial single group in India, with approximately 2.6 million Zoroastrians worldwide. Notably, Zoroastrians (Parsis) are recognized as one of the minority communities.
Traditional New Year Festivals in India
Alongside Navroz, numerous other New Year festivals enrich Indian culture, each with its unique customs and significance.
One such festival is Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the inception of the Vikram Samvat, also known as the Vedic (Hindu) calendar, established when emperor Vikramaditya vanquished the Sakas and launched a new era. Gudi Padwa and Ugadi are celebrated as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar in Deccan, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Navreh is the lunar New Year observed in Kashmir, while Sajibu Cheiraoba is venerated by the Meiteis, an ethnic group in Manipur. On the other hand, Cheti Chand is celebrated by the Sindhi community, commemorating the birth anniversary of Ishta Deva Uderolal/Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis.
Bihu, another significant festival, is celebrated thrice annually: Rongali or Bohag Bihu in April, Kongali or Kati Bihu in October, and Bhogali or Magh Bihu in January. Rongali Bihu signifies the Assamese New Year and spring festival, aligning with Sikh New Year- Baisakhi.
Baisakhi is marked as a day of gratitude by farmers, and for the Sikh community, it holds religious significance as the foundation of the Khalsa Panth was laid on this day by Guru Gobind Singh.
Losoong or Namsoong, the Sikkimese New Year, is a time of joy and celebration for farmers following the harvest season. Celebrated with traditional fervor and color by Lepchas and Bhutias, this festival usually falls in December.