Navroz Mubarak

Although the Parsis of India originally emigrated from Persia, they no longer have social or familial ties to Persians, and do not share language or recent history with them. Over the centuries since the first Zoroastrians arrived in India, the Parsis have integrated themselves into Indian society while simultaneously maintaining their own distinct customs and traditions. This in turn has given the Parsi community a rather peculiar standing - they are Indians in terms of national affiliation, language and history. Some of their festivities are given below:

Khordad Sal
The birth anniversary of Zoroaster or Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra is celebrated as Khordad Sal in August-September. It falls sometime on the sixth day of the Parsi month of Farvardin. In some old Parsi texts, this day is also spoken of as the Navroz-I-Khas, which means `Special New Year`s Day`. Even the real New Year`s Day is referred to as Navroz-I-Am, meaning `Common New Year`s Day`.

The religious lore and texts of the Parsis mention the festival and its importance. In the olden days, the king and nobility, especially, observed Khordad Sal as Navroz-I-Khas. It is said to be the day on which many historic events of old Iran are said to have happened. Later, it came to be observed solely as Zarathushtra`s birthday. Zoroaster or zarathusthra was the founder of the religion. The exact year of Zarathushtra`s birth is not known, but it is accepted that he was born in the beginning of the first millennium BC. Similarly, the day of his birth is also not known precisely.

On this day, Parsis wear new clothes; the house is cleaned and decorated with rangolis. Parsis arrange fragrant flowers prepare delicious meals. The rituals of Jashan, or thanksgiving prayers are offered at the temples. A grand feast is prepared to mark the occasion.