US Ambassador Garcetti Extends Heartfelt Nowruz Greetings to Parsi Community In India

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti extended heartfelt Nowruz greetings to the Parsi community in the country on Wednesday. “Jamshedi Nowruz Mubarak! Ambassador Garcetti sends his warmest wishes to the Parsi community in India celebrating the arrival of spring,” the US Consulate in Mumbai said in a post on X.

Persian New Year, or Nowruz, is a centuries-old celebration marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. It is observed by millions of people globally, particularly in Iran and across Central Asia, the Middle East and parts of South Asia. In India, followers of the ancient Iranian prophet Zoroaster, known as Zarathustra, are found in Mumbai.

Descendants of Persian Zoroastrians migrated to India to escape religious persecution. The term “Parsi,” meaning “Persians,” encapsulates their heritage and identity. The festival is deeply rooted in Persian culture and tradition, with rituals and customs dating back thousands of years.

The festivities last for two weeks and involve various rituals and traditions, including the setting up of the Haft-seen, a ceremonial table adorned with seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter “S.” These items represent themes such as health, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year.

Food plays a central role in Nowruz celebrations, with families gathering to enjoy traditional dishes rich in symbolism and are believed to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. Nowruz is a time for celebration and a period of reflection, renewal, and hope for the future. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and visit relatives and friends.