Public holiday adds to Navroz cheer for Irani

MUMBAI: The Irani community will celebrate its new year Jamshedi Navroz with a welcome holiday on Saturday for the festival coincides with Gudi Padwa. Navoz marks the spring equinox and is separate from Parsi new year, which follows in August.
“Jamshedi Navroz is commemorated in honour of King Jamshed of Iran who was a just ruler,” says Hormuz Dadachanji, priest at the Vatcha Gandhi agiary.Dadachanji will officiate at a private prayer ceremony organized by the owners of Kayani Bakery inside the restaurant, which is closed for business. The day begins with a visit to the neighbouring fire temples, so atashbehrams and agiaries are preparing to welcome scores of worshippers. “People offer sandalwood to the holy fire that is kept burning throughout. They bring flowers and incense as well. Each household decorates a table with auspicious items including a picture of the prophet Zoroaster where every item begins with the syllable ‘sh’,” says Freny Behramkamddin, wife of priest Nozer Behramkamddin who oversees the Bhicajee Patel Dadgah in Andheri (E).
TOI readers Jeroo and Nazneen wrote to say this year’s festivity is touched by luck. “We have earned a rare public holiday because Navroz coincides with Gudi Padwa. Otherwise we spend new year’s day working,” they said, adding that Navroz is also celebrated in parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan and Kurdistan apart from Iran. Those countries observe vacations ranging from two days to two weeks.
Families are preparing a menu of festival delicacies. Parsi caterer Zinobia Schroff will cook Irani berry pulao, chicken farcha and patra ni machhi.