Nowruz (Persian: نوروز, meaning "New Day") is the name of the Iranian New Year in the Solar Hijri calendar. Nowruz is also referred to as the Persian New Year.
Nowruz is celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. It is a secular holiday that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths. It originated in Persia in one of the capitals of the Achaemenid empire in Persis (Fars) in Iran and is also celebrated by the cultural region that came under Iranian influence or had migrations by Persians including Azerbaijan, the North Caucasus, Kurdish inhabited regions of eastern Turkey and Northern Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and other scattered populations in Central Asia.
Nowruz is partly rooted in the religious tradition of Zoroastrianism. Among other ideas, Zoroastrianism is the first monotheistic religion that emphasizes broad concepts such as the corresponding work of good and evil in the world, and the connection of humans to nature. Zoroastrian practices were dominant for much of the history of ancient Persia (centered in what is now Iran). Nowruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin. Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox. Nowruz is also a holy day for Sufi Muslims, Bektashis, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, Babis and adherents of the Bahá'í Faith.
Jamshedi Noruz is the conventional Iranian festival of the spring marking the start of the new year among the Iranians. Dedicated to fire, this is the seventh compulsory feast according to the Zoroastrian New Year celebration, occurring on the spring equinox. Jamshedi Noruz (Qadimi) generally happens on the 19th of July of every year. This noble festival has been celebrated widely especially in Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan for about 3,000 years. The rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian religion are deeply embedded in the Iranian culture.
Zoroastrian calendars are mainly of three types:
1. The Fasli or Bastani Calendar
Fasli means seasonal and is also known as Bastani meaning traditional calendar. The Fasli calendar connotes the thousand-year old Zoroastrian texts of the Bundahishn and the Dinkard, a method followed before the Arab invasion of Iran. This is one of the most important festival in the Zoroastrian calendar which commemorates the birthday of the Zoroaster. All the zoroastrians gather in several Fire temples for prayers during this joyous festival celebrating this gala event.
2. The Shenshai Calendar
Shenshai often called ‘Shahenshahi’ meaning imperial is another popular festival of the Zoroastrian calendar. This special day is celebrated world wide commemorating the advent of the Zoroastrian New Year. Parsis also call this calendar 'rasimi' meaning traditional or 'sharshar' of uncertain meaning.
3. The Qadimi Calendar
Qadimi was the name given to the calendar used by the Zoroastrians in Iran after the Arab invasion of Iran. Qadim is a Arabic word meaning 'old'. The Qadimi calendar was instituted in India by some Parsees of Surat in the mid 1700s in a wise attempt to reconcile the different calendars used by the Parsees and Iranian Zoroastrians.
Celebration of Jamshedi Noruz (Qadimi)
Jamshedi Noruz (Qadimi) is a Persian festival celebrated widely in India where people gets together to celebrate and enjoy the joviality of this wonderful festival. Nowruz, the Iranian and Zoroastrian New Year's day is celebrated widely through several rituals, traditions and events. Rich in symbolism this day is celebrated with huge pomp and show. The very essence of celebrating this noble festival gets completed through one's promise to become a better human being.
Delightful Gift Ideas On Jamshedi Noruz
Nowruz is celebrated by all the Zoroastrians residing in different parts of the world. Alike any other festival several mouth watering food items play a vital role in celebrating this divine festival of Jamshedi Noruz. Sweets and desserts are the most delectable part of their tasty meal. Send vivacious showpieces or home decor items to your loved ones on this auspicious occasion lending their home a new outlook.
Moreover enchanting gift vouchers from various apparel houses, jewellery shops or restaurants will work wonderfully impressing your loved ones on this festivity. Above all vibrant flower bouquets as a gift exhibit the innermost expression of your heart enunciating your message of love, care and fondness for your loved ones. Flowers can be send along with a yummilicious cake inducing fun and joy into your lovables life. Celebrate this initial day of the Zoroastrian calendar with your loved ones spreading immense fun and joy by fabricating an aura of love and togetherness.
