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Navroz, a Persian tradition, celebrates renewal and unity. The Fire Festival signifies purification and spring’s arrival. The Haft Sin table symbolizes prosperity and rebirth. Let’s embrace Navroz’s message of peace and hope. Navroz Mubarak to all!
In a world often marred by anger, complaints, and regrets, the celebration of Navroz emerges as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the universal need for healing and peace. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon aptly stated, “Nowruz transcends national borders, religious divides, and other differences to unite communities with bonds of goodwill. Such a common purpose can help humanity rise to this moment in history.”
Photograph by Oriane Zerah who quotes: “‘’ Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.’’ Rainer Maria Rilke
Navroz, originating from the Persian tradition, begins with Chaharshanbeh, or Scarlet Wednesday, a precursor to the main festivities. This Iranian Fire Festival celebrated on the last Wednesday of the Persian calendar, marks the onset of Navroz. Bonfires illuminate the evening skies as people joyously leap over flames, symbolizing a purification rite and the triumph of light over darkness.
The essence of Navroz lies in its alignment with the Vernal Equinox, heralding the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Falling in the first month of Farvardin in the Persian calendar, Navroz signifies renewal and rejuvenation on both a natural and personal level. Reflecting on my experiences, I recall wandering through the quaint town of Udvada in Gujarat, near Daman.
Udvada is a central pilgrimage site for Parsis. The sacred fire of Iranshah has burned since the 18th century, a testament to the community’s enduring spirit amidst migrations from Iran. This town is adorned with symbols of Faravahar, a winged sun disk representing spiritual protection.
Navroz is a festival of family bonding and reaffirming goodness within humanity. Traditionally, rituals such as spring cleaning, fire-jumping, and laying the Haft Sin dining table abound. The ritual of “Kaneh Tekani,” or cleaning Persian rugs, epitomizes the season’s cleansing spirit, as households engage in thorough cleaning rituals, including the rugs’ beating, rinsing, and airing.
Central to Navroz celebrations is the Haft Sin table, adorned with seven symbolic food items, each beginning with the Persian letter “S.” These include:
Sabz (lentil sprouts)
Samanu (wheat pudding)
Senjed (a fruit akin to olive)
Serkeh (vinegar)
Seeb (apple)
Seer (garlic
Somagh ( crimson Flowering fruit-berry used as a spice)
Additionally, the table features coins, goldfish, mirrors, candles, and painted eggs, symbolising prosperity, life, reflection, illumination, and rebirth.
Immersed in the festivities of Navroz, let us embrace its profound message of healing, renewal, and peace. In a world fraught with challenges, Navroz serves as a timely reminder of our collective ability to overcome darkness and usher in the light of hope and unity. Navroz Mubarak to all as we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
#festival #navinajafa #navroz #parsi
A Note on the Author
Dr. Navina Jafa, a historian and an accomplished Kathak Classical dancer, embarked on a profound journey to explore the essence of India through extensive travel, detailed research, and meticulous curation. With a deep passion, she shares India’s rich cultural mosaic with a diverse audience through her heritage walks and insightful academic tours. Dedicated to fostering sustainable and responsible cultural tourism, her work emphasizes heritage cultural skill mapping. She develops innovative strategies to offer immersive cultural experiences encapsulated in the unique concept of ‘Performing Heritage.’ Additionally, Dr Jafa leads capacity-building workshops focusing on integrating grassroots heritage- skilled communities into the wider domain of heritage tourism.
TRAVEL, DANCE, ART, CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA - DR NAVINA JAFA 