The Parsi community in India celebrates several festivals with great enthusiasm and grandeur. Parsis, also known as Zoroastrians, have a rich cultural and religious heritage, and their festivals are an integral part of their identity. Some of the Parsi festivals celebrated in India with grand festivities include:
- Navroze (Parsi New Year):
- Navroze, also known as Jamshedi Navroze, marks the Parsi New Year and is celebrated on the first day of the Parsi calendar month of Farvardin (usually in March).
- The celebrations begin with the cleaning and decorating of homes, wearing new clothes, and visiting fire temples for prayers.
- Traditional Parsi dishes like patra ni machhi (fish wrapped in banana leaves) and dhansak (a lentil and meat stew) are prepared and enjoyed with family and friends.
- Nowruz (Zoroastrian New Year):
- Nowruz, an ancient Persian festival, is celebrated by Parsis in India with great fervor.
- It is observed on the vernal equinox, typically around March 21st, and signifies the arrival of spring.
- Traditional customs include setting up a Haft-Seen table with seven symbolic items that start with the letter “S,” such as garlic, apples, and sumac berries.
- Gahanbar:
- Gahanbar is a series of five seasonal festivals that celebrate the changing of seasons and the elements.
- Each Gahanbar corresponds to a different time of the year and involves communal feasting, prayers, and rituals.
- The Gahanbars include Maidyozarem, Maidyoshahem, Paitishahem, Ayathrem, and Maidyarem.
- Pateti (Parsi Day of Atonement):
- Pateti is a day of reflection and repentance, observed on the day before Navroze.
- Parsis seek forgiveness for their sins and strive to make amends by engaging in acts of charity and visiting fire temples.
- Khordad Sal (Birthday of Prophet Zarathustra):
- Khordad Sal commemorates the birth of Zoroaster (Zarathustra), the founder of Zoroastrianism.
- Parsis visit fire temples, offer prayers, and engage in acts of kindness and charity.
- Zarthost No-Diso (Death Anniversary of Prophet Zarathustra):
- Zarthost No-Diso is observed on the death anniversary of Zoroaster.
- Parsis pay their respects to the prophet and engage in religious activities to honor his memory.
These Parsi festivals are celebrated with great devotion and are an opportunity for the community to come together, uphold their traditions, and enjoy delicious Parsi cuisine. The grand celebrations often include religious ceremonies, cultural performances, and social gatherings that showcase the unique Parsi culture and heritage.