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The 1,800-strong Parsi community of Ahmedabad celebrated Navroze, the Parsi New Year, on Friday with much enthusiasm. Members of the community thronged Parsi Agyari (fire temple) in the morning to offer prayers and later on, embraced and greeted one another on the occasion.According to the Parsi calendar, Navroze falls on Hormuzd (first) day of Fravardin month (the first month). Before Navroze, Parsis observe 10 days of mourning and offer special prayers for their deceased family members. The last day of that period, which is also the last day of the Parsi calendar year, is called Pateti.
The trustee of Ahmedabad Parsi P
anchayat, Navroz Kanga said he remained busy all day meeting friends and relatives. "I had a great day. Friends and relatives visited us. Definitely, it gives a great feeling!" he said. Kanga added that they had prepared fish, chicken and mutton dishes for the day.
Chief fire officer of Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services, Mehernosh Dastur said he relished the delicacies on New Year day. "After 10 days of mourning, we celebrated the New Year by cleaning and decorating our house. We prepared fried fish, macchi no patio and several sweets. I had also brought from Navsari gajar mewa nu achaar which is made from carrots, vinegar and dry fruits," he said. The fire officer had put up traditional photo frames of torans and also a photo of Prophet Zarathusthra. Ruzan Khambatta, a city-based Parsi businesswoman said she, along with her bhabhi and mother, decorated the thaali with auspicious things.

Nauheed Cyrusi

Parsi New Year is that time of the year when the city’s Bawa families get together and spend some much needed quality time. Besides wishing each other Navroze Mubarak, food and especially sweets play an important part in any Parsi festivity.
Comedian Cyrus Broacha reveals, “All our festivals are about food and sweets. Parsi festivals are celebrated with food and of course family. Today I am going to be shooting so I do not have a day off but I will try and wrap up early to head home for a late lunch. We have called for Mutton Pulao and since the oil spill, my mother is really skeptical of cooking fish, so no fish for the family. For dessert, there is Lagan Nu Custard, a burnt milk yogurt special delicacy.”
For model Parizad Kolah Marshall, bringing in the New Year with her family and friends has been a ritual she has been religiously following over the years.
The actress who grew up in Cusrow Baug in South Mumbai has fond memories of celebrating Navroze with her entire gang.
“Yesterday was our last day of the year, Pateti, and today is the New Year. I took my grandparents out for lunch yesterday and then spent the day with my friends. When I was young, all of us would bring in the New Year at midnight and it was so much fun. We visit the fire temple early in the morning and then head home to have a nice breakfast. For lunch, it is Dhan Dar Patio, which is dal and rice with either fish or prawn. Our celebrations are all about getting together, having fun along with some good food.”
Actress Kainaz Motivala and her family make it a point to catch up on Parsi plays that are staged especially on the day. “After a sumptuous lunch, we all usually head out in the evening to watch a Parsi play. It has been like a tradition for years now.”
Actress Nauheed Cyrusi confesses that Navroze is that one time of the year she never misses being home.
“I have been home to bring in the New Year every single time since the time I can remember. In fact when we all meet up, we laugh over how we have been so regular with our yearly meetings.”
Biz honcho Parvez Damania says he has always celebrated the festival with his family. “We start the day with a visit to the fire temple, followed by a traditional breakfast of Sev — a vermicelli and curd preparation. Lunch is also the traditional yellow dal, white rice and patio. We visit each other’s houses and send sweets to each other but usually it is a family affair.”