Parsis celebrate Zoroastrian New Year 'Navroz' in Mumbai

Members of the Parsi community thronged the Agyari temple here on Thursday to celebrate their Zoroastrian New Year 'Navroz'.

During 'Navroz' the Parsis decorate their homes with garlands and Rangoli (chalk designs). An important part of their celebrations is the get-together with friends and family.

"Today with the New Year dawning, everything new should come our way. We go to the fire temple and decorate with flowers. We do our Rangoli outside, which is supposed to be very auspicious and of course all the Parsi festival are incomplete without the grand feast, so that will follow at home," said Binayfa Wyx, a professor in the morning.

The day before 'Navroz' is 'Pateti' when Parsis dwell on the wrongs or the sins committed the previous year.

"We pray for our departed souls and we wish all the best and our good year should be good," said Kursheed Gandhi, a devotee.

Ten days prior to the 'Navroz', the Parsis hold prayers for the departed souls as they believe the spirits of the dead are present at this time and if remembered, they shower their blessings. These prayers are conducted at all Agyari temples of the city.

According to a legend, 3000 years ago Shah Jamshed of the Peshadian dynasty ascended the throne on "Navroz" - 'nav' meaning new and roze' meaning day.

This particular day also came to be known as Jamshed Navroz and is celebrated even today.