The advent of spring in February-March and the vernal equinox - these are the two events that usher in Jamshed-e-Navroz. The actual time when the changes take place is noted down in Iran and then the information is sent all over the world to Zoroastrians.

This festival is mentioned in Shah Nameh, the Persian `Book of Kings' written by Firdausi. According to Firdausi's book, this festival was celebrated by the kings of Persia, Cyrus and Darius, to rejoice in the spring and in their own glory.

Legend:

According to popular legend, the mythical Persian king Jamshed was the first to celebrate this festival. The Shah Nameh states that the feast commemorates the ascent of King Jamshed into the skies, in a chariot built by the demons he had subdued and forced into the service of mortals.

Named after the king, Jamshed-e-Navroz appears to have been a pagan pastoral festival that marked the transition from winter to summer. The rites of fertility and procreation can be perceived in some of its customs.

Rituals And Traditions

Navroz is a day of celebration. Apart from new clothes, all Parsis wear their gold or silver kustis and caps. Auspicious symbols like fish, birds, butterflies and stars, are patterned on doorways with metallic moulds. Guests are welcomed with a sprinkling of rose-water and rice.

The most traditional drink for Navroz is falooda, which is prepared with milk and flavoured with rose water.

The traditional lunch consists of sev and sweet yogurt, followed by pulao. The meal would end with ravo.A copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, an afrigan, a bowl of water containing live fish, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, flowers for colour, a silver coin for wealth, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness, are kept on a table. Apart from these, the table also has seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 's'. These are meant to symbolise creation.

Jamshed-e-Navroz is a time for Parsis to reiterate their identity in India's melting pot of religions. For many Parsis, this festival also ushers in the new year. It is on par with Gudi Padva and Ugadi, which are also new year days in India.