Readers' Forum
Prophet’s birthday
Although a Muslim nation, Iran continues to observe Jamshedi Navroz as the New Year (introduced by the Peshdadian King Jamshed). Logically, this is the most appropriate day to start the year, with the sun entering the Zodiacal sign of Aries on the vernal equinox when day and night are of equal duration. Spring sets in and the harsh winter recedes.
Parsis observe the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra on the sixth day of the New Year, Khordad roz. If March 21 is Navroz, then March 26 should be Khordad Saal, the correct birthday of Zoroaster. He was born in spring when plants were in bloom and birds sang (Fravardin Yasht 93/94). All creation rejoiced: "Ushta no zato athrava, yo Spitamo Zarathustro (Hail unto us is born the tender of the holy fire, Zarathushtra!)” Such conditions do not prevail in August, so in effect we are celebrating the spring festival in autumn!
For such a small community as ours we have three calendars, Fasli, Kadmi and Shahenshahi, (which is two too many). We should have only one like everybody else.
I appeal to all Zoroastrians to celebrate the birthday of Zarathushtra correctly on March 26 each year. Along with some friends and relatives I offered maachi in the Aiwisruthrem gah on March 26, 2015 and plan to do this every year from now on. CYRUS S. MEHERJI
Calcutta
cymehe@gmail.com
Parsis observe the birthday of Prophet Zarathushtra on the sixth day of the New Year, Khordad roz. If March 21 is Navroz, then March 26 should be Khordad Saal, the correct birthday of Zoroaster. He was born in spring when plants were in bloom and birds sang (Fravardin Yasht 93/94). All creation rejoiced: "Ushta no zato athrava, yo Spitamo Zarathustro (Hail unto us is born the tender of the holy fire, Zarathushtra!)” Such conditions do not prevail in August, so in effect we are celebrating the spring festival in autumn!
For such a small community as ours we have three calendars, Fasli, Kadmi and Shahenshahi, (which is two too many). We should have only one like everybody else.
I appeal to all Zoroastrians to celebrate the birthday of Zarathushtra correctly on March 26 each year. Along with some friends and relatives I offered maachi in the Aiwisruthrem gah on March 26, 2015 and plan to do this every year from now on. CYRUS S. MEHERJI
Calcutta
cymehe@gmail.com
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One reader wrote
Not only Iran, but 14 countries in the world observe «Nowruz». In Central Asia, many countries give 4 days holidays. (Bank Holidays - in Indian parlance). It is celebrated as «Nowruz Bayram» in many countries. In Syria, the Alawites too observe the Zoroastrian New Year. Barak Aga
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