The Parsi community across India is looking forward to celebrating the Parsi New Year today (17-Aug-19). On this day, Parsis commemorate their arrival and acceptance into their new homeland in the month of August. Originally from Persia, Parsis follow Zoroastrianism, which was founded by Zarathustra in Persia. This day is also known as Jamshed-i-Nouroz after King Jamshed, the Persian King who is believed to have introduced the Parsi calendar. People in India follow the Shahenshahi calendar, which does not take into account leap years, as a result of which the Parsi New Year is celebrated in India and Pakistan about 200 days after it is observed across the world.

The term Navroz is derived from two Persian words, 'nav' meaning 'new' and 'roz' meaning 'day'. Hence, Navroz signifies 'a new day'. A Navroz meal is an epitome of the perfect feast. Parsi people decorate their house with colourful chawk patterns (rangoli) and torans (flower garlands) swing from the doors. They wear new clothes and visit the Zoroastrian fire temple.

Parsi New Year 2019: Date, Significance And Celebrations of The Navroz Festival

The celebration of Parsi New Year is said to have begun some 3000 years ago. It falls in the month of August, as per the Gregorian calendar. On this day, people pray for prosperity, health and wealth. It is known as the day of remittance of sins and repentance. People clean and decorate their houses with rangoli and flowers, adorn new dresses, and visit the Fire Temple to ask for forgiveness for any mistakes committed in the past and start afresh. The celebrations tomorrow will also include feasting over an elaborate meal, where friends and families come together and celebrate the auspicious occasion with much fervour.

Parsi New Year 2019: The celebration of Parsi New Year is said to have begun some 3000 years ago

Parsi New Year 2019: Feast Prepared During Navroz

On the big day, people usually prepare delicacies like meethi sev dahi, mora dal chawal (also called dhan daar), machchi no patio, mutton pulao, saas ni machchi, marghi na farcha (crispy fried chicken), patra nu machli, sali boti, berry pulao, jardaloo chicken, kid gosht, cutlets, mawa ni boi, lagan nu custard, et al. Preparations start a day in advance to ensure that all the dishes are prepared perfectly and are full of flavour.

Delicious Recipes To Enjoy During Parsi New Year 2019

1. Sali Boti (Parsi Meat Dish) Recipe

Parsi mutton curry, with prominent flavours of tomatoes, onions, jaggery and vinegar, makes for a special delicacy during special occasions like the Parsi New Year. This one's going to be a star-dish among your family and friends.

(Also Read: Try These 11 Best Parsi Recipes During Navroz) Parsi new year 2019: This one's going to be a star-dish among your family and friends

2. Parsi Mutton Cutlets

Celebrations are incomplete without the much coveted Parsi mutton cutlets. To prepare this dish, you need minced mutton, potatoes, bread crumbs, eggs and a host of spices. Don't forget to serve it with sliced onions and chutney.

3. Chicken Farcha

Chicken farcha is a delicious Parsi recipe that is a blend of spices with a tang of lemon. It is served with your choice of dip or chutney.

Parsi New Year 2019: Chicken farcha is a delicious Parsi recipe that is a blend of spices and a tang of lemon

4. Lagan Nu Custard

Lagan nu custard is a dessert, which is usually prepared on weddings or Parsi New Year. Made with simple ingredients like milk, eggs, butter and nuts, it is a perfect dessert to celebrate joyous occasions.

5. Patra Ni Machchi

Pomfret fillets coated in coconut chutney, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, that's patra ni machchi for you. Once unwrapped, add a dash of lemon juice to enjoy the tanginess.

6. Kid Gosht

Lamb cooked in a burst of masalas, rich cashew paste and coconut milk essence, kid gosht is a festive special.

7. Dhansak Masala (Spices for Dhansak)

Dhansak is, without a doubt, one of the most delicious and popular Parsi dishes. An eclectic mix of spices and elements from Persian and Gujarati cuisines, the dish is used as a base for cooking meat, chicken and other main ingredients.

Navroz Mubarak 2019!