Parsis all over the world gear up to celebrate the festival of Parsi New Year 2019. Also referred to as Pateti, this festive day will be marked on August 17 this year. This day is also known as Jamshedi Navroz and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over. Like every community rings in their new year celebrations with much pomp and fervour, Parsis too prepare for this festival from well in advance. They also offer special prayers in the Fire temple and start their new year with blessings. Know Why India and Pakistan Celebrate Parsi New Year in August and Not in March.

History and Significance

The celebrations of Parsi New Year traditions date back to 3000 years ago and Parsis all over the world mark this day. People of the Parsi community in India follow the Shahenshahi calendar, according to which their new year begins on August 17 this year. Parsis follow the religion of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religions in the world. It was founded in Iran about 3500 years ago. And as per the Iranian calendar, Parsi New Year falls in the month of March.

As per the folk tales, prophet Zoroaster created this holiday and it thus carries a lot of significance for all residents. It is named after Persian king Jamshed who started the Parsi calendar. Thus this day is also known as Jamshed-i-Nouroz. The day of Parsi New Year is said to be an annual renewal of everything in the universe. It is a day to repent for all the wrong deeds of the previous year and begin anew.

Celebrations of Pateti

People clean and decorate their houses, wear traditional attires and prepare traditional recipes for the festival. They also visit the fire temple and pray for a prosperous year ahead. Some of them also make charitable donations and give gifts to their family members. These days there are also social parties organised on the day which sees a get together of all people of the community. It is a day of spreading joy and happiness, looking forward to a year with renewed thoughts and mind, leaving all the wrongs behind.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2019 04:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).