![]() ![]() But it’s always an family-friendly celebration of life, nature, fertility, growth, and renewal. Thought to originate in pre-Zoroastrian and Zoroastrian times, it’s a cultural festivity for some a religious observance for others. It goes by many names – including Nowruz, Nooruz, Newroz, and Nevruz (all meaning ‘New Day’ in Persian-related languages). Observed by diverse communities across borders, cultures, and religions for thousands of years, it’s a holiday of unity, tolerance, kinship, and reconciliation. Navroz is the ancient new year celebration marking the vernal equinox and spring’s arrival. But food and fellowship figure strongly for all who celebrate worldwide – in homes, community halls, and (nowadays) restaurants. They may be Parsi Zoroastrians – descendents of those arriving from ancient Iran perhaps 1,000 years earlier. They may be Irani Zoroastrians – descendents of immigrants and refugees from Iran in the previous century who opened the much-loved Bombay Irani cafes evoked by Dishoom. In Bombay, London, and throughout the South Asian diaspora, between 20th and 21st March you’ll find many folks of the Zoroastrian faith (amongst others) celebrating this new year, or Navroz as we like to call it. This event, sacred to many cultures throughout history, today thrives as a new year celebration for hundreds of millions. Each year, the spring equinox – when day and night are equal length – marks a transition in earth’s relationship with the sun. ![]()
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