Navroze on Nepean searoad

While many of you probably experiencedthe usual TGIF moment on March 21, a few who follow what is said to be theoldest revealed religion in the world, celebrated their Zoroastrian New Year.Called 'Navroze', which literally means 'a new day', it marks the beginning ofthe Persian new year. On this day, Parsis come together at the precise momentof the spring equinox, when the sun crosses the equator to herald the onset ofspring. Celebrated by millions across the world–from Iraq to Kazakhstanto India, pretty much the entire Persian Empire at some point–it remains acelebration of fun, rejuvenation and positivity even today.

One would think that a religion thatoriginated in Persia over 3,500 years ago would somewhat get eroded bymodern-day beliefs, but residents of Godrej Baug seem determined on proving uswrong. Mehernaz Kaizad, who has preserved her Persian identity through herelaborate Navroze celebrations, shares, "It is the first day of spring. We haveto lay a table with seven specific items that have to begin with the letter's'." As her family gets together by the table, donning new clothes, thepalpable excitement of her family can be gauged by the extensive feastprepared. "The haft-seen, which is the table that holds the seven items (haft),echoes with the seven holy deities that protect us. The more beautiful thetable, the better it reflects on the family," adds Kaizad. As a ritual, guestshave to look at themselves in the large mirror placed on the table as they walkin, while the host sprinkles rose water on them as a form of anointment.

Parsis have always been known for theirdelectable food. Shahrukh Bilimoria, another Godrej Baug resident, does not shyaway from patting his Zoroastrian shoulder when it comes to the deliciousNavroze fare prepared at his home. "It is just another excuse for us to buyclothes and eat sweets but more importantly, what we present to our family isan elaborate feast that everyone looks forward to every year!" he says,smacking his lips. "The haft-seen is composed of sabzeh, senjed, seer, serkeh,somaq, sikka and sib," explains Bilimoria. "Sabzeh (wheat sprouts) representsbirth; senjed (dry fruits) symbolises love; seer (garlic) is laid out for itsmedicinal properties; serkeh (vinegar) represents age and wisdom; somaq (berrypowder) symbolises new beginnings; sikka (coin) symbolising prosperity; and sib(apple) represents health," he elaborates further.

Navroze, for the Parsi community in thisDowntown super society, is yet another chance to get it right and to ring in positivity through their rich culture and proud history. While talks abouttheir shrinking population and their dwindling beliefs make rounds worldwide,Zoroastrians are adamant on salvaging their community through celebrations likeNavroze.