This year, the Parsi New Year will be celebrated on August 16th. It is a time of celebration for Parsis residing in India, with the exchange of sweets, festival wishes, and visits to Agiary. This is a time of new beginnings and is the perfect time to undertake your home renovation projects, personal goals, education, or travel plans.
If you are looking for ways to bring your dreams to life this Parsi New Year, look no further! In this article, we will delve into the traditions and culture of the Parsi New Year and offer ideas to inspire you to make the most of this fresh start.
What is Parsi New Year, and when is it celebrated in India?
Parsi New Year, also referred to as Navroz, Nowroz or Persian New Year, is a festival of Iranian origin.
According to Zoroastrian tradition, Parsi New Year originated 3000 years ago and was created by the Prophet Zoroaster. It marks the beginning of the Iranian calendar, first established by the Persian king Jamshed.
While people in the US, Pakistan, or the Middle East celebrate this festival in March, it is typically celebrated between July and August in India. This is because Parsis in the country follow the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not consider leap years. The festival date also varies from year to year based on this calendar.
The history behind Parsi New Year
As stated earlier, the roots of Parsi New Year lie in the ancient faith of Zoroastrianism, dating back more than 3500 years ago in Persia (modern-day Iran). The festival originates from the Zoroastrian belief in the annual rejuvenation of the universe. This festival is celebrated not only in Iran but also by Zoroastrians in other regions of the Middle East.
The Parsi New Year has undergone many revivals in its history. After the ascent of Islam, this festival witnessed a resurgence with the rise of Iranian dynasties. The cultural significance of the Persian New Year has rippled across the globe. In fact, it earned its place on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
How is Parsi New Year celebrated?
Parsi New Year brings about vibrant and unique traditions. Those who celebrate typically mark the occasion by donning new attire and sharing sweets and festival wishes. Many make a pilgrimage to Agiary, traditional Persian fire temples. This auspicious day is marked by offering milk, flowers, fruit, and sandalwood to the fire.
Friends and family get together by preparing feasts and enjoying meals together. Restaurants in the country will serve traditional Parsi dishes like egg pattice, farcha, jardaloo chicken, and more. Homes are also cleaned and done up, adorned with flowers and rangoli to welcome visitors. Guests exchange well wishes and are greeted with rose water or faluda.
A prayer called Jashan is performed to express gratitude and seek forgiveness and prosperity. Donations to charity are also made during this time.
How to make the most of the Parsi New Year
The festival of Navroz is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts. There are many ways in which you can make the most of this festive spirit.
1. Home renovations and new decor
During Navroz, people typically clean and adorn their homes. This is the ideal time to complete home renovation tasks that you may have been putting off, such as redecorating, reupholstering or replacing furniture, or fixing any part of the home that needs it. Take the time to invest in your home and welcome new beginnings!
2. Hobbies, education and personal projects
Again, in the spirit of new beginnings, take this time to invest in hobbies and projects that interest you and make you happy. Whether this is taking the time to add upgrades to your car or investing in painting classes, Persian New Year is the time to start. Some ideas could include:
- Taking lessons in art and music
Those interested in art should register for painting, pottery, craft, or crocheting classes. Music lovers can also sign up for singing or instrumental lessons during this time. You could also create an artistic portfolio.
- Writing projects
This is the ideal time to start writing the novel or blog you have been thinking about. Take the time to research and set up your new writing personal project.
- Online and in-person classes
It is never too late to learn something new. The Persian New Year is the perfect time to invest in your education. This could be in any number of fields. You can learn a new language, take a chef certification course, or even start a fresh college diploma or degree in a subject you love.
3. Travel
Do you dream of travelling the world? Parsi New Year gives you the perfect opportunity to fulfil your dreams. This occasion can be used for visiting nearby cities and hill stations or for more extravagant trips to Europe or North America.
Financing your dreams
Bringing your dreams to life involves several factors—your age, goals, and finances being the primary ones. Personal and education loans can help you take the next step in reinventing yourself without the burden of worrying about funds:
1. Personal loans
Personal loans are an attractive option that can be used for several purposes. These could include taking the vacation you desire or giving your home the makeover you want. They offer several benefits, such as allowing you to tackle your immediate financial needs with ease.
2. Education loans
An education loan is the right choice if you want to pursue your education. Whether you wish to undertake a certification or diploma course or even start a new college degree, education loans help you finance your studies.
The bottom line
The Parsi New Year brings about new beginnings, hopes, and aspirations. If you have big plans and want to reinvent yourself this Persian New Year, don’t let finances hold you back. Allow Tata Capital to help you finance your aspirations with our personal and education loans.
Tata Capital’s loans provide attractive offerings such as instant loan disbursement, an easy online application process, and no collateral or security required. Our education loans offer attractive interest rates and cover a variety of courses.
22 August 2024
6 mins read
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