President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers on Saturday extended greetings to citizens, particularly the Parsi community, on the occasion of Parsi New Year Navroz, praising its rich heritage and longstanding contribution to India.
President Murmu said Navroz symbolises “new beginnings and renewed hope” and reminds people of the values of coexistence and service to humanity. She highlighted the Parsi community’s significant contribution to India through its spirit of enterprise and philanthropy.
The President expressed confidence that the festival would inspire citizens to work together towards building an inclusive and developed India, and wished everyone happiness, peace and prosperity.
V-P Radhakrishnan also extended his greetings to the Parsi community, wishing every family peace, prosperity and happiness in the New Year. He said the values of faith, compassion and service associated with the community continue to enrich India’s shared heritage and strengthen the bonds of unity, harmony and brotherhood.
PM Modi praised the Parsi community’s contributions across various sectors, saying they had enriched the nation in numerous ways.
“Greetings on the start of the Parsi New Year. The Parsi community’s remarkable contribution across sectors has enriched our nation in countless ways. May the year ahead be filled with peace, joy, prosperity and good health for everyone. Navroz Mubarak!” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also extended his greetings, describing Navroz as a celebration of “renewal, hope, harmony and the enduring cultural heritage of the Parsi community”. He conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the Parsi community and said, “Navroz Mubarak!”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wished the Parsi community happiness, peace, prosperity and good health. He said the rich heritage and timeless values of the community would continue to enrich the nation.
“Heartiest greetings to our sisters and brothers of the Parsi community on the auspicious occasion of Navroz. May this New Year bring happiness, peace, prosperity and good health to everyone,” Singh said in a post on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the occasion, wishing for peace, prosperity, good health and renewal in the New Year.
“Greetings on the Parsi New Year. May the New Year bring peace, prosperity, good health and renewal for all. Navroz Mubarak!” EAM Jaishankar said.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs also extended its greetings, saying that Navroz, being celebrated on August 15 this year, represents happiness, harmony and new beginnings while highlighting the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the Parsi community.
Significance of Navroz
Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, marks renewal and the beginning of a new year. The term is derived from Persian, with “Nav” meaning new and “Roz” meaning day, together signifying a “new day”.
The festival has its roots in ancient Persia and is associated with Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions founded by Prophet Zarathustra. While Navroz is traditionally associated with the spring equinox, the Parsi community in India follows the Shahenshahi calendar, under which the festival is observed in July or August.
The Parsi community has a long history in India after Zoroastrians migrated from Persia to the Indian subcontinent following the Arab conquest of Persia. Over the centuries, the community became an integral part of Indian society while preserving its distinctive cultural and religious traditions.
Navroz is celebrated with prayers at Zoroastrian fire temples, visits to family and friends, new clothes, festive meals and decorations. The festival continues to represent renewal, harmony and cultural heritage while highlighting the community’s enduring contribution to India’s social and economic life.
(With agency inputs)
