Navroz - first day of the month of Farvardin on the Iranian / Zoroastrian calendar - is derived from Persian words 'Nav' and 'Roz'. Wherein, 'Nav' meaning new and 'roz' meaning day. International Nowroz is observed on March 20 / 21, while in India, the festival of Navroz is celebrated twice a year.
It also coincides with the spring equinox that falls around March 20-21 every year.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on Navroz to the Parsi community on March 20. The second Navroz is celebrated as per the Shahenshahi calendar, around 200 days later which is known as Jamshed-i-Navroz.
The followers believe in the existence of one invisible eternal God, called Ahura Mazda, who is worshiped in the form of fire - symbolizing light of wisdom. Zoroastrianism is also seen as an ecological religion since the Parsi community believes that fire, water, air and earth are pious elements, to be preserved for living in harmony with Nature.
In India, the holiest place for Parsis is the village of Udvada in Gujarat, located 25 km from Valsad city. The town has the most sacred Zoroastrian fire temple in India with continuously burning the holy or victorious fire.
Udvada also has a Zoroastrian Heritage Museum with summaries of the teachings and beliefs of lord Ahura Mazda along with the displayed write-ups on the holy ceremonies of the Parsis called Navjot ceremonies.
Comentários