Navroz Mubarak 2014

Happy Persian New Year (Nowruz)!
Nowruz, or "new day" in Persian, is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth of nature. 

The Iranis celebrate Navroz in a special way. A circular table or the dining table dons an exquisite new look. A special table cloth known as ‘sofreh’ is spread on the table which sets in the festive spirit. 

The whole decorated table known as ‘Haftashin’ is a feast for the eyes and delight to the senses and the soul.

Navroz ushers in the message of gratitude, joy, hope renewal, spiritual rejuvenation and renewed resolutions, new life in the natural cycles, growth, prosperity, inner awakening and of course the triumph of the good over evil for all humanity.

A day of universal dawn: a dawn of a new awakening.

The joyous advent of spring and its traditions, customs and rituals are not only observed by the Parsi-Irani community in India and the Muslim community in Iran but is quite widespread throughout the globe, observed by several Nations of the world.

The table in each home varies in its contents and the availability of items.


All the 7 items start with the leter ‘s’ or ‘sh’ in the Persian dialect having its own special significance. 

The number 7 represents the 7 creations of Dadar Ahura Mazda as also signifies the ‘Seventh Heaven’ or the state of perfect happiness or heavenly bliss in Islamic belief.

The seven items represent
‘sib’ or red apples, Nature’s most wholesome fruit 
‘sirka’ or vinegar if wine or ‘sharab’ is not available
‘shir’ or milk with its pristine sanctity as milk is the first sip a new born sucks as it enters the world
a plate of ‘shakker’ or sugar to make your whole year as sweet as sugar,
‘shama’, a candle to light up your life but today a ‘shem’ or a diya is kept on the table besides Prophet Zarathushtra’s photo with a book of Avesta prayers,
‘sir’ or garlic, nature’s most trusted anti-biotic , 
‘sikkeh’ or coins to usher in wealth and prosperity ,
‘sonbol’ known as hyacinth, a plant grown from a bulb with heads of pink, white or blue flowers and if that is not available then a pomegranate surrounded with 5 or 7 roses or a Vase adorned with fresh scented roses – all reminding us to remain fresh and colourful and spread the scent of success and family happiness to all around us,
‘sabzi’ fresh green vegetables or shoots of wheat grass signifying robust evergreen health throughout the year,
‘sirbenj’ a traditional Irani sweet dish more like our rice-kheer or simply sev-dahi or ‘ravo’ as is the custom on all auspicious occasions.

Grains are also kept in a plate to usher in the spirit of harvest and abundance.

‘Sheesha’ or a mirror is placed in such a way to reflect Prophet Zarathushtra’s photo as well as the pomegranate. Some even keep a bowl of gold fish.

It is also believed that if you look into the mirror which has already reflected Navroz and make a wish, you will have good vibrations and reflections throughout the year.

Excerpts from the Afternoon Dispatch & Courier
By Dr. Shernaz Baji Avari