Kuwait Zoroastrian Association(KZA) - Recently Updated Pages

Kuwait Zoroastrian Association

kzamembers — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:05:44 CDT

My small contribution of effort involved in gathering concise simple information regarding our religion from different sites for the future young overseas Zoroastrian generation.

Please any suggestions comments or compliments will be appreciated on the bottom of the page in "Thread" section.

For more comprehensive information check the "WIKI PAGES""

Dedicated to promoting the Spiritual Philosophy of Zarathushtra & Zoroastrianism

GOOD THOUGHTS, GOOD WORDS and GOOD DEEDS.

The best way of worshipping God is to allay the distress of the times, and to improve the conditions of mankind - This is true religion!

- An old Zoroastrian saying

Mahatma Gandhi once said "Parsis, in numbers beneath contempt, but in deeds, beyond compare!"

Compiled by: Nazneen Kelly Khodaiji

Mentor: Kelly and Dolly Khodaiji

Proud to be A Parsi The Parsis of South Mumbai

Proud to be A Parsi

The Parsis of South Mumbai

We are the Proud Parsis’s / Irani's of Kuwait Zoroastrian Association formed in 1975, our goal has been to help the less fortunate in any way we can. Though small in number but surely we are fun-loving & happy small community. Always ready to stand by in happiness and sorrows. Parsis are always known for their philanthropies. Occasionally the working committee of KZA tries to collect voluntary funds from the members to help underprivileged people or to support for the maintenance of the different Fire Temples in India.
KZA comprises of 100 members including offsprings and two couples non members.

2009-2010

Committee Members:
Congratulation for the new Committee Members

Mr. Khushroo Daruwalla - President
Mrs. Gool Alam Limzerwala - Committee Member
Mrs. Nilufer Fredy Bhesania - Committee Secretary
Mrs. Yasmine Percy Wadia - Committee Treasure

To Know more of KZA activities click on below links:

KZA 2009 - 2010

KZA activities
(2007-2008 & 2008-2009)

Memories of old KZA

Udvada is a town in Gujarat, renowned for the Iranshah Ātash Bahrām, the oldest and most famous of the Parsi (Zoroastrian) Fire Temples. The Iranshah is one of eight Ātash Bahrāms in India, four of which are in Mumbai, two in Surat and one in Navsari.

For more info about Fire Temple click on:

List of Agiaries in Mumbai
Atash Behrams on Google Map
Various Zoroastrian Fire-Temples in Mainland Iran & the Greater-Iran.
RENOVATIONS AT SHREEJI PAAK IRANSHAH'S MAKAAN

20 points to be observed while visiting Fire Temple

Names of Agiaries in India

Information of Fire Temples in different locations

Khordeh Avesta - Story why we need to read Khordeh Avesta

Old Picture of our Lord Zoroaster with a boat in stormy sea - Journey of the Boat

Tehran, Hassan Khomaini, Visits Fire Temple, Photos

Names of the list of 9 Atash Behrams and Difference between Atash Behram and Agiary

Inside an Agiary - Enduring fire

Enrich your daily prayer life

Click on following sites:

Daily Prayers

Powerful Prayer
MUSHKEL AASAN prayers
The Powers of ASHEM VOHU
Significance of the Farohar figure
Khorda Avesta (English)

Ahura Mazda's blessings upon you

Efficacious Prayer for you and your family

Rare Facts not Known by Many

Click on the below sites:

Proud to be a Parsi! - The Parsis of South Mumbai - New
The Sun never sets on the Parsi Empire
Parsi Contribution to Academics in Western India
A PEEP INTO THE DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE PARSIS
YALDA FESTIVAL - Iranian traditions & beliefs
Taj Opens Heart, Purse For All Nov 26 Victims
A LITTLE INCIDENT THAT REALLY OCCURED - AT THE TAJ - Nasto Karva!!!
Miracle at the Leopold Cafe - Nov.2008
26/11 Mumbai attacks - Parsee Victims
FIRST PARSI A-380 COMMANDER.
History of Persian or Parsi Language

History of the Parsis

ENTHRONEMENT OF PAK IRANSHAH SAHEB

Gahambars

Significance of the Gahambar

Rare Facts Not Known By Many

The Living Legend - Sam Manekshaw

Taj Hotel - built by Parsi owner - Tata family

Bhika Behram well at Churchgate

Ashem Vohu in 10th Century Sogdian (chinese) script Dunhuang

CHAIYE HAME BAWAJI(We are Unique Bawajis -Parsis)

The story of Iranshah
DASTUR JAMSHED ERVAD SOHRAB KUKADARU SAHEB

Feroze Gandhi was a Parsi
India's first woman photo journalist a Parsi.
Short write-up on Ard-e-behest - month of Ard-e-behest by the Shenshahi calendar

Some religious places and pictures

Photo Gallery

This is the story for us to remember always.

(Why Parsis are Sweet)

Parsis migrated from the ancient Persia, to the western part of India, which is now Gujarat, about 1000 years ago. I have heard a very sweet story. Many centuries ago, when Parsis arrived, they approached the king of the local land. They wanted to settle in the new place. The king was hesitant because he was not sure how his land could support more people? To stress his point, he ordered a tall cup full of milk. He showed the cup to the Parsi immigrants, stated that this cup couldn't hold anything else similarly his land couldn't hold anything more. Parsis took a handful of sugar and poured in the cup and said, just like this sugar not only got well-blended with the milk but also made the milk sweeter, we would be one of you. So Parsis adapted the Gujarati culture. They speak Gujarati, ladies wear Gujarati style saris. They follow many Gujarati customs while still retaining their own customs and individuality.

For recipes click on:

Parsee Cuisine

New veg, non-veg and sweets

We have two Parsi authors who have both had sequels published to their successful first books on Parsi cooking. Jeroo Mehta's book was first published in 1973, and the follow up one in 1991. 101 Parsi Recipes has been quite well used in our family, as the recipes are clearly laid out and simple to follow, definitely not daunting.

Katy Dalal is a well known Bombay caterer and prolific cookery writer. She also had a distinguished career as an archaeologist. In addition to the two shown here published in 1998 and 2003, she has published other books on cooking which I will touch on later. Jamva Chaloji is "the lusty booming call from the caterer to the guests at a Parsi Wedding, to partake of the freshly cooked, hot, fragrant dinner that awaits them!" Katy's larger than life, warm personality shines through her books, and her obvious enthusiasm for good food and cooking is engaging.
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Clik here for cracking jokes: Jokes

For more info of Bollywood Bawajis click:

Bollywood's Bawaji news

Rusi Mistry - Way to Go

Boman Irani

Delnaaz and Bhaktiyar Irani

Know about actor/actress Profile and his/her background click: www.iloveindia.com

Yoga

Improving Memory and Concentration with Yoga

For more info click: Yoga

Click : Health - Important Tips

Visit some of this sites for it's various reasons:

Google Earth Community: Parsis- The World's Smallest "Nation" new

http://wznn.org

World Zoroastrian News Network

www.indo-kuwait.com

(Info. for Indians staying in Kuwait)

www.zoroastrians.net

Bringing the Community Under One Roof

www.theparsidirectory.com

A Simple List of Zoroastrians Across the World

www.wzcc.net

The meeting ground for Zoroastrian Businesses and Professionals Across the World

http://www.poonazoroastrians.org

http://www.avesta.org

Zoroastrian Archives

http://zubin.page.tl

Welcome to Mazda Art which is all about Our main product line consists of Etched Zarathushtra and Farhovar in Curved and beveled Glass.

www.ahuramazda.com

They say the community talks a lot - so, to Chat Online with Zoroastrians across the world
Just Click here- no registrations, no software to download - Just Click and chat live !

Choose from Hundreds of Free eCards and send as many as you want!

Free E-Cards

www.passionup.com

http://www.fun-greetings-jokes.com/

http://www.free-e-cards-online.com/

http://www.regards.com/

www.MyFunCards.com

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Web Designed & Created by: Nazneen Khodaiji

: kza@ gr.st

www.kza.gr.st

(NK) 2008 KZA

KZA 2009 - 2010

kzamembers — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:44:51 CDT

My Dear All KZA Members.

It is with great hope and anxiety that I have taken up this responsible position of KZA President with knowing that my committee members and myself will have to put in our best efforts and ensure that we come closer to our members expectation.

But at the same time, let me tell you that committee works for its members welfare and welbeing and we also do expect from members to get the best support in terms of attendance and contribution (contribution, I mean good ideas.) so that, we deliver the best.

My best wishes to all my dear ones and thank you for the great support you all have put in Pappa. I'll do my best.

Have a great year ahead.

With warm regards.

Khushro Eruch Daruwalla.

President.

Kuwait Zoroastrian Association

Links:

KZA activities - 2007-2008 / 2008-2009
Memories of old KZA

Proud to be a Parsi! - The Parsis of South Mumbai
Rare Facts Not Known by Many
Parsee Cuisine
Ceremonies
Daily Prayers
Fire Temple - Agiary -Place of Worship

Activities

Links

Parsi New Year 2009

Proud to be a Parsi! - The Parsis of South Mumbai

kzamembers — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:29:53 CDT

Courtesy : Anahita Colabewala - Mumbai

Links:

KZA 2009 - 2010

KZA activities - 2007-2008 / 2008-2009

Parsee Cuisine

Parsi Directory site

Parsi Contribution to Academics in Western India

Andheri Patel Agiary celebrate 100 years

Ceremonies

Daily Prayers

KZA activities

kzamembers — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:10:08 CDT

Mrs. Vahbiz Daruwala was our previous President, who organized for the year 2007-2008 and continued with more events for the year 2008-2009 .

1) Jamshedji Navroje – This occasion falls in the month of March 21st and the venue is always at one of the five star hotels.

2) Parsi New Year – This occasion falls in the month of August and there is small get-together.

3) New Year Eve – 31st December and the venue is again at one of the five star hotels.

These major events are organized with lots of games (for children and grownups), raffles, housie, dance and music with D.J.and prizes. Lots of effort is being put by working committee members and as well as voluntary members. Three cheers to all of them.

4) B.B.Q’s are held time to time

5) Sports night – Once again there are lots of sports activities and prizes.

6) Get togethers at different joints like Ripley, Pizza Hut etc. to socialize.

7) Educational / Pleasure Trips for kids – places like Kitco chips, Sara cake factory etc.

8) Jashan (prayers held in any of the member’s house).

9) Farewell parties – If any one or more members bid farewell forever from Kuwait 1

Information provided by Mrs. Vahbiz Daruwalla - President

Links:

KZA 2009 - 2010

Parsi New Year 2009
Navroze Party 2009
New Year 2006
Navroze Party 2006
KZA Jashan 2007
Farewell function for Villie Darrab Aria
Almulla spring camp2008
Kids Kitco Field Trip
BBQ Party
Parsi New Year 2008
Bowling Day
Diwali and Halloween Party
Grand mosque trip

Words of Appreciation

Condolence

Memories of old KZA - new

Ceremonies

Parsee Cuisine

Khordad Sal and Jamshed Navroje

kzamembers — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:02:36 CDT

Jamshed Navroz

Introduction
Jamshed E Navroz is the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year. Parsis follow the Fasli calendar and their New Year commences with the Vernal Equinox. The festival is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm. All the rituals of Jamshedi Navroz are dutifully followed by the community. Parsis offer special prayers on the day, savour the fixed menu of the festival and greet each other.

Origin Of Jamshed Navroz Festival
Celebration of the festival dates back to over 3000 years when the legendary king of Persia, Jamshedji ascended the throne on the day of 'Navroz'. 'Nav' means new and 'Roz' means day. The day happened to be a vernal equinox.- when the length of the day equals that of the night. Navroz marked the transition from winter to summer. Later, the particular day came to known and celebrated as 'Jamshed Navroz Festival'.

It is also said, King Jamshedi introduced solar calculation into the Persian calendar and also determined the date when the Sun enters the constellation of Aries, in the beginning of the year. The advent of spring in February-March and the vernal equinox - these are the two events that mark the Jamshed-e-Navroz.

On this occasion, it was customary for the king to be weighed in gold and silver, and the money was then distributed to the poor.

Celebrating Jamshed E Navroz
Parsis celebrate Navroz in a grand and elaborate fashion. They rejoice whole-heartedly and celebrate the day in a spirit of friendship, harmony and happiness.

They wear new clothes on the day and welcome the guests with a sprinkling of rosewater and rice and also applying tilak.

The traditional drink for Navroz is falooda - a preparation of milk flavoured with rose essence. There are special dishes for breakfast too - one is 'Ravo' prepared with suji, milk and sugar and the other is fried vermicelli cooked in sugar preparation and decorated with dry fruits.

After breakfast, people visit Fire Temple or Agiary for a special thanks giving prayer called , 'Jashan'. People also offer sandalwood to the Holy Fire. After the ceremony is over, all people greet each other by saying, 'Sal Mubarak'.

There is a fixed menu for lunch also. Pulav is a an integral part of Navroz while plain rice and moong dal is a must. There is also a custom to give charity.

Besides, there is a custom to keep a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, an afrigan, a bowl of water containing live fish, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, flowers for colour, a silver coin for wealth, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness on a table. Apart from these, the table also has seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 's'. These are meant to symbolise creation.

Khordad Sal

Introduction
Khordid Sal is the birth anniversary of Prohet Zoroaster. It falls on the sixth day of the Parsi month, Farvardin (sometime in August or September). On this day of Khordad Sal, the birthday of Prophet Spitaman Zarathusatra is celebrated symbolically by the Zoroastrians.

Origin of Khordid Sal
Exact year of Zarathushtra's birth is not known, but commonly acknowledged that he was born in the beginning of the first millennium BC. So the celebration is marked symbolically. In the past, the king and nobility, observed Khordad Sal as Navroz-I-Khas. On this day, many historic events of Iran are believed to have happened. Years later, it is observed as Zarathushtra's birthday.

Celebrating Khordid Sal
Parsis wear new clothes, the house is cleaned and decorated with rangolis, fragrant flowers are arranged and delicious meals are also prepared. The ritual of Jashan, or thanksgiving prayers are offered at the temples.. A grand feast is prepared to mark the occasion..

In India, since the Parsi community is a well-knit religious society, Khordid Sal serves as an ocassion for kiths and kins to get together. Also, an opportunity for the Parsis to ponder about their lives and actions, and to make certain 'good' changes in the future.

Links:

2009 - 2010 KZA

Navjote

Wedding

Navroze - 21st March

Parsee Cuisine

Parsi New Year 2009

kzamembers — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:28:19 CDT




Parsi New Year 19th August 2009 @ Kuwait Continental Hotel		It was small get together and spend a wonderful evening with our few Parsi friends. Others who were out of town were all missed. This event was organised by Sarosh Contractor, Hufrish Contractor and Khushru Daruwala. *3 Cheers to them for their effort and to all those who honoured by attending the Mini Party..*

The Sun never sets on the Parsi Empire

kzamembers — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:09:50 CDT

After the British colonies, still left are the Parsi colonies, on which the sun never sets! Because:
at 2 am old ladies are chasing stray dogs with sticks,
at 3 am somebody's TV is loud enough to keep the watchmen awake,
at 4 am the granny's wake up to pee,
at 5 am the doodhwala comes from 'parsi' dairy farm
at 6 am somebody takes 46 kicks to start the scooter
at 7 am the 3rd floor neighbour goes “piche ka side ko barabar se dhona, mein roj dekhta hu, tum aisa hi dutty kapda mar ke nikal jata hai” ....to the ‘gari dhowa walo’
at 8 am you hear a frantic mother shouting "mehernosh tu bhona no dabbo bhuligayo" running in a nighty, down the ‘main street’ of the “bagh”
at 9 am someone starts playing chaiye ahme zartosti so loud that you are forced to agree that no one else would cause such torture
at 10 am the ladies are clapping from balconies to call the ‘taja paplet kolmi walo’, adn all such vendors
at 11 am the jobless, wifeless, TV less and hopeless handas come down with a war cry of mc, bc, gaars to play cricket or volleyball
at 12 pm they break a glass
at 1 pm the fight is still on
at 2 pm the fight ends when the aromas from other people's kitchens reminds them that stomach is mightier than the sword
at 3 pm the school kids are returning in a shrill argument over what happened in class, and by the stories you wonder if they even go to same school, (most probably they have sat next to each other all their life)
at 4 pm the old man’s club comes down for a walk and asks the silly obvious questions like “bajar laine aavi” , “office thi aavi”, “college thi aavi” to all aged women returning from anywhere, everyday
at 5 pm the old woman’s parade starts, where the aunties want to walk and the gangubai’s escorting them want to sit
at 6 pm the ‘chillar’ comes down to play (that’s what they used to call ppl below 12 when we used to go down, I believe now it is kidos)
at 7 pm the hero of the parsi colony arrives with ‘karak and naram’ options for all the ladies (the pavwala)
at 8 pm some aspiring Stunt bawa is practicing a wily with his bike and melodramatic teenage girls squealing louder than required
at 9 pm you can hear people saying bye to each other for an entire hour, as the gossip has no end
at 10 pm someone gets enough bones only for 1 stray dog, so the other dogs create a havoc
at 11 pm someone’s grandfather clock gongs out loud eleven times and by the time it stops you missed hearing the last part of your TV serial
at 12 pm the watchman has to show he is working and goes banging the stick
at 1 am some guys play loud music in a car, this time the guy on the 2nd floor wakes up, fights with the youngsters and threatens to call the police
at 2 pm you are peeping from the window to see the commotion, and when he goes in, the old lady thinks it’s the stray dogs barking again and comes out with a stick to chase them…

SEE … THE SUN NEVER SETS ON THE PARSI EMPIRE

Lady Taxi Service

kzamembers — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:43:35 CDT

First Parsi lady taxi service driver Anahita Mistry nee Driver stays in my colony Malcolm Baug.

I am attaching her business card herewith.

Anahita and her colleagues are already busy round the clock, ferrying ladies working for hotels, BPOs, etc. 24X7.

I am really proud of Anahita for taking up this challenge. Do contact her for your travelling needs, eapecially for ladies and kids in aircond comfort.

Regards,

Rusi

Words of Appreciation

kzamembers — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:47:10 CDT

She has dedicated herself to the KZA over the no of years in almost all the committees and has been doing a wonderful job. Her ideas and fun events that she has been holding for all was amazing like taking the kids in a private bus to the Kitco chips n cake biscuit factory / treasure hunts / poetry competition for kids / sports night with real fun games/ flowers for all mothers on Mothers day / Al Mulla camping with fun games / picnics and so many others things She still has plans to surprise all of us.

She has managed to get for the goody bags stuff from some major companies in Kuwait ;like rice bags / tea bags / micro boxes / pens / shopping bags / beers / biscuits / nuts n sweets / nandos vouchers / chips / loreal products and much more. How does she do it? I guess it’s her sweet convincing nature and lovely personality.

She manages to arrange such fun spot prizes like - man with the sexiest legs / man with thickest moustache n eyebrows / man with the hairiest chest / man wearing boxers in his pants / woman with no bra or any color but white ort black or beige / woman with longest nose / woman being carried by her man / woman with the smallest and then she paused to make it sound funny, it was a purse. She is full of ideas, witty and the most sporting of all. And sure makes all old and new members welcomed.

On 21st March 09, KZA held for 'Navroze' a dinner n dance at the Crowne Plaza. It was all organized by the bold and beautiful Vahbiz lovingly called Vablu by all. My dad for the first time made an effort to go up to Vabhiz in the end of the party and appreciate all her efforts and hardwork. He always has good words for Vabhiz and says that whatever she does takes lots of pain and works hard and pleases everyone.

There were raffle prizes, spot prizes and fun games for kids & adults. Kids had handling the ball game and adults had a 'egg n sausage ' game which was just hilarious. She managed to get prizes for the last 2 years some being like- 2 Kuwait air tickets / 350 kd worth electronics / 3 Nokia phones / lots of dinner vouchers, etc for the raffles. This year too was fun and we all enjoyed the evening.

One surprise she zapped us all, was setting up a 'Parsi menu'. We had - patra ni macchi / sali boti / marghi na farcha / mutton palav dal / papeta par edu / lagan nu custard etc. How did she manage to do so without a Parsi caterer here in Kuwait? Hats off to her guys. This has never been done before by any committee.

By the way I must compliment you on all your efforts put in since last 2 yrs to make Navroze function a real memorable one. Even last year in spite of you not being in the country and was mourning the death of Eric; u were coinciding all the arrangements and had got so many gifts. I don’t think anyone has even done so much. She is a true leader. Please continue the position of a President again (the 3rd year). I think most of the members are voting for you again.

Now she’s planning a theme party - dress up like a geek / yacht ride / Trip to Failaka island etc. Sure that'll be fun!

I think we all should appreciate and thank Vabhiz for her efforts, hard work and dedication for KZA.

This is the first time in KZA that the President is voted for three consecutive years.

Naaz

27/03/09

Some compliments from the members:

Dearest Vahbiz,
Please stay on and continue doing the great favour to KZA!
I appreciate the efforts you put in to run the committee and understand the hard job of it but pl...ea... se stay on with the team. Parsi bhona ni aadat pari ne nasi na jaa.
Thank you

Gool.

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I still wish you would re-consider continuing for the forthcoming years. A big Thank You to you and your team for giving us a wonderful time during your tenure.

Dolly Irani

------------------------------------------ Let me congratulate you all for the hard work put in. The function went off real well and I'm sure everyone enjoyed as we did.

Kaio

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You have done fabulous job for last 3 years and you should continue doing this job. You are very creative and give your 100% in this job.

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Navroze Party 2009

kzamembers — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:46:32 CDT

2 eggs n 2 sausages	freddy in the act	kza puzzycat dolls
my husband caught in the act		porous chance maraving with 3 ladies
Presi announcing the raffle	Presi Vablu with kids	Sarosh enjoying foot massage from Bepsi
Ruzbey n wife n Vablu presi	Dolly Khodaiji with cute baby Cyrus	Kelly, Dolly & Eric
	Foot work - Kaiomarz & Purvez with Presi	Murzy helping himself with Patra ni macchi
Navroze Party 21 March 2009 Crown Plaza Hotel	Vabs giving Naaz gift for creating KZA website the Kza committee - ( frm Left ) Vahbiz , Khushroo n Nazreen	Music & Dance, Spot prizes, Housey, Raffle prizes and loads of fun. Parsee Cuisine: Dhansak, Palov, cuchumbar, Patra ni Machi, Chicken Farcha, Sali Boti, salad and Lagan nu custard with many more sweetdishes.

What is Nowruz?

kzamembers — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:26:40 CDT

Nowruz, literary “New-day”, is the traditional Iranian new year celebration. It has been celebrated in Iran for over two thousand years by all the people regardless of ethnicity, religion, or language. It’s non-ethnic, non-religious characteristic is the precise reason for the fact that it is still prominent outside the political boundaries of modern Iran and is celebrated by people of Central Asia, Caucasus, and many other places in West Asia. It has also been adopted as the official New Year feast of the Baha’i faith, due to their roots in Iran. Although our oldest knowledge of Nowruz goes back to the Pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian history of Iran, there is no reason to believe that it is a religious celebration. To the same effect, Islamic adaptations into the Nowruz traditions have more to do with the intimate feeling of Nowruz as a traditional festivity than any religious beliefs. It’s timing, at the exact astronomical start of the spring, makes it a natural choice for celebrating a New Year, having similar parallels in other cultures. *Historical Background of Nowruz* The name of Nowruz does not occur until the second century AD in any Iranian records. We have reasons to believe that the celebration is much older than that date and was surely celebrated by the people and royalty during the Achaemenid times (555-330 BC). It has often been suggested that the famous Persepolis Complex, or at least the palaces of Apadana and Hundred Columns, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating Nowruz. However, no mention of the name of Nowruz exists in any Achaemenid inscription, a fact that can point to its non-Indo-European roots. Our oldest records of Nowruz go back to the Arsacid/Parthian times (247 BC-224 AD). There are specific references to the celebration of Nowruz during the reign of Arsacid Emperor Vologases I (51-78 AD). Unfortunately, the lack of any substantial records about the reign of the Arsacids leaves us with little to explore about the details of Nowruz during their times. After the accession of Ardeshir I Pabakan, the founder of the Sasanian Dynasty (224 AD), consistent data for the celebration of Nowruz were recorded. Throughout the Sasanian era (224-650 AD), Nowruz was celebrated as the most prominent ritual during the year. Most royal traditions of Nowruz such as yearly common audiences, cash gifts, and pardon of prisoners, were established during the Sasanian era and they persisted unchanged until the modern times. Nowruz, along with Sadeh that is celebrated in mid-winter, were the two pre-Islamic celebrations that survived in the Islamic society after 650 AD. Other celebrations such Gahanbar and Mehragan were eventually side-lined or were only followed by the Zoroastrians who carried them as far as India. Nowruz, however, was most honoured even by the early founders of Islam. There are records of the Four Great Caliphs presiding over Nowruz celebrations, and during the Abbasid era, it was adopted as the main royal holiday. Following the demise of the Caliphate and re-emergence of Iranian dynasties such as the Samanids and Buyids, Nowruz was elevated into an even more important event. The Buyids revived the ancient traditions of Sasanian times and restored many smaller celebrations that had been eliminated by the Caliphate. Even the Turkish and Mongol invaders of Iran did not attempt to abolish Nowruz in favour of any other celebration. Thus, Nowruz remained as the main celebration in the Iranian lands by both the officials and the people. *Roots of Nowruz* Nowruz is commonly perceived as the most “Iranian” of all celebrations, emphasising an Aryan/Indo-Iranian root for the celebration. However, the lack of any mention of Nowruz or the traditional, well-known celebrations associated with it in Achaemenid inscriptions as well as the oldest parts of the Avesta, the Old Iranian hymns of Zoroastrianism, can point to the non-Iranian roots of the celebration. We know that the Sumerian and Babylonian calendars of the Mesopotamia were based on the changing of the seasons. The sedentary agriculture of Mesopotamia that served as the backbone of Babylonian economy greatly depended on the changing of the seasons and the amount of yearly downpour. Subsequently, the beginning of the spring mattered greatly in Mesopotamia and was celebrated accordingly. There also existed an annual ritual in Babylonia when at the beginning of the spring the king was required to make a journey to the temple of Marduk and receive the regal signs from the god and give royal protection to the great god of Babylon. The yearly renewal of this mutual support seems to symbolize the renewal of life marked by the beginning of the spring. We have decisive records of the adoption of this ritual by the Iranians when Cyrus the Great invaded Babylon and appointed his son, Cambyses, as his deputy there. On the other hand, the life style of Iranian tribes prior to their settlement in Iran was nomadic and greatly depended on cattle raising instead of sedentary agriculture, thus devoid of the need to keep exact track of seasonal change. Their homeland, in the central Asian steppes, possessed either very cold winters or scorching summers and the arrival of spring seldom had the same effect as it does on the more temperate lands to the south. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the original roots of Nowruz laid in the Mesopotamian celebration of the arrival of spring and was later adopted by settled Iranian tribes, probably as early as the reign of the first Achaemenid emperor. It should be pointed out that if we accept this theory of adoption, we should not forget the certain Iranian characteristics that shaped this celebration into a distinctly Iranian custom. Among the most prominent of these characteristics is the adaptation of Iranian world-view into the rituals of Nowruz. Although we have evidence that in the mid years of the Sasanian period, due to the neglect in maintaining the calendar, Nowruz was sometimes celebrated in the early summer or mid-winter, we should remember that the original place of Nowruz was always at the beginning of the spring. Different branches of Iranian Gnosticism that were popular in the late Sasanian and early Islamic era, most prominently displayed in Manichaeism, saw the world as a place of battle between the forces of good and evil. Manichaeism, and its Iranian roots in the religion of the Magi, defined darkness and cold as the signs of evil and lightness as the force of rightness. In fact, the most obvious characteristic of the Manichean deities is their extraction of light, a fact that later even influenced Christianity and its concept of halo. Thus, it was easy for most people to associate winter with forces of evil and see spring as the rebirth of light. Subsequently Nowruz was seen as the triumph of light over dark and the beginning of the rejuvenation of the world. *Nowruz Today* Today Nowruz is the main celebration for many people of West Asia. It is also the beginning of the official calendar for the people of Iran and Afghanistan. The calendar, based on the Sasanian solar calendar and perfected by the famous mathematician, Omar Khayyam, as one of the most accurate calendars in existence today, was barely used after the 13th century AD. After many centuries of confusion about the calendars and even the loss of ancient names of the months, at the beginning of the Twentieth century, the old month-names were restored and Nowruz was designated as the first day of the month of Farvardin. Nowruz is preceded by Chaharshanbe Suri, another celebration with roots in agricultural tradition, and lasts for Thirteen days. Its official end is the Sizdah Bedar, a national day of picnic when everyone goes out to the nature to enjoy the beauty of the revitalized world. The common and popular roots of Nowruz mean that it is free of any official or religious rituals, although as the official New Year, it is marked by Bank Holidays. The thirteen days of Nowruz are spent visiting relatives, giving gifts, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Nowruz has survived many attempts made against its existence exactly because of its deep roots in the traditions of people of Iran and its multi-ethnic and extra-religious quality. Nowruz is also the natural rebirth of nature and despite its Iranian characteristics can easily be celebrated by all the people in the world! Happy Nowruz! Courtesy: Phil Masters

Nowruz, literary “New-day”, is the traditional Iranian new year celebration. It has been celebrated in Iran for over two thousand years by all the people regardless of ethnicity, religion, or language. It’s non-ethnic, non-religious characteristic is the precise reason for the fact that it is still prominent outside the political boundaries of modern Iran and is celebrated by people of Central Asia, Caucasus, and many other places in West Asia. It has also been adopted as the official New Year feast of the Baha’i faith, due to their roots in Iran. Although our oldest knowledge of Nowruz goes back to the Pre-Islamic, Zoroastrian history of Iran, there is no reason to believe that it is a religious celebration. To the same effect, Islamic adaptations into the Nowruz traditions have more to do with the intimate feeling of Nowruz as a traditional festivity than any religious beliefs. It’s timing, at the exact astronomical start of the spring, makes it a natural choice for celebrating a New Year, having similar parallels in other cultures.

Historical Background of Nowruz

The name of Nowruz does not occur until the second century AD in any Iranian records. We have reasons to believe that the celebration is much older than that date and was surely celebrated by the people and royalty during the Achaemenid times (555-330 BC). It has often been suggested that the famous Persepolis Complex, or at least the palaces of Apadana and Hundred Columns, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating Nowruz. However, no mention of the name of Nowruz exists in any Achaemenid inscription, a fact that can point to its non-Indo-European roots. Our oldest records of Nowruz go back to the Arsacid/Parthian times (247 BC-224 AD). There are specific references to the celebration of Nowruz during the reign of Arsacid Emperor Vologases I (51-78 AD). Unfortunately, the lack of any substantial records about the reign of the Arsacids leaves us with little to explore about the details of Nowruz during their times. After the accession of Ardeshir I Pabakan, the founder of the Sasanian Dynasty (224 AD), consistent data for the celebration of Nowruz were recorded. Throughout the Sasanian era (224-650 AD), Nowruz was celebrated as the most prominent ritual during the year. Most royal traditions of Nowruz such as yearly common audiences, cash gifts, and pardon of prisoners, were established during the Sasanian era and they persisted unchanged until the modern times. Nowruz, along with Sadeh that is celebrated in mid-winter, were the two pre-Islamic celebrations that survived in the Islamic society after 650 AD. Other celebrations such Gahanbar and Mehragan were eventually side-lined or were only followed by the Zoroastrians who carried them as far as India. Nowruz, however, was most honoured even by the early founders of Islam. There are records of the Four Great Caliphs presiding over Nowruz celebrations, and during the Abbasid era, it was adopted as the main royal holiday. Following the demise of the Caliphate and re-emergence of Iranian dynasties such as the Samanids and Buyids, Nowruz was elevated into an even more important event. The Buyids revived the ancient traditions of Sasanian times and restored many smaller celebrations that had been eliminated by the Caliphate. Even the Turkish and Mongol invaders of Iran did not attempt to abolish Nowruz in favour of any other celebration. Thus, Nowruz remained as the main celebration in the Iranian lands by both the officials and the people.

Roots of Nowruz

Nowruz is commonly perceived as the most “Iranian” of all celebrations, emphasising an Aryan/Indo-Iranian root for the celebration. However, the lack of any mention of Nowruz or the traditional, well-known celebrations associated with it in Achaemenid inscriptions as well as the oldest parts of the Avesta, the Old Iranian hymns of Zoroastrianism, can point to the non-Iranian roots of the celebration. We know that the Sumerian and Babylonian calendars of the Mesopotamia were based on the changing of the seasons. The sedentary agriculture of Mesopotamia that served as the backbone of Babylonian economy greatly depended on the changing of the seasons and the amount of yearly downpour. Subsequently, the beginning of the spring mattered greatly in Mesopotamia and was celebrated accordingly. There also existed an annual ritual in Babylonia when at the beginning of the spring the king was required to make a journey to the temple of Marduk and receive the regal signs from the god and give royal protection to the great god of Babylon. The yearly renewal of this mutual support seems to symbolize the renewal of life marked by the beginning of the spring. We have decisive records of the adoption of this ritual by the Iranians when Cyrus the Great invaded Babylon and appointed his son, Cambyses, as his deputy there. On the other hand, the life style of Iranian tribes prior to their settlement in Iran was nomadic and greatly depended on cattle raising instead of sedentary agriculture, thus devoid of the need to keep exact track of seasonal change. Their homeland, in the central Asian steppes, possessed either very cold winters or scorching summers and the arrival of spring seldom had the same effect as it does on the more temperate lands to the south. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the original roots of Nowruz laid in the Mesopotamian celebration of the arrival of spring and was later adopted by settled Iranian tribes, probably as early as the reign of the first Achaemenid emperor. It should be pointed out that if we accept this theory of adoption, we should not forget the certain Iranian characteristics that shaped this celebration into a distinctly Iranian custom. Among the most prominent of these characteristics is the adaptation of Iranian world-view into the rituals of Nowruz. Although we have evidence that in the mid years of the Sasanian period, due to the neglect in maintaining the calendar, Nowruz was sometimes celebrated in the early summer or mid-winter, we should remember that the original place of Nowruz was always at the beginning of the spring. Different branches of Iranian Gnosticism that were popular in the late Sasanian and early Islamic era, most prominently displayed in Manichaeism, saw the world as a place of battle between the forces of good and evil. Manichaeism, and its Iranian roots in the religion of the Magi, defined darkness and cold as the signs of evil and lightness as the force of rightness. In fact, the most obvious characteristic of the Manichean deities is their extraction of light, a fact that later even influenced Christianity and its concept of halo. Thus, it was easy for most people to associate winter with forces of evil and see spring as the rebirth of light. Subsequently Nowruz was seen as the triumph of light over dark and the beginning of the rejuvenation of the world.

Nowruz Today

Today Nowruz is the main celebration for many people of West Asia. It is also the beginning of the official calendar for the people of Iran and Afghanistan. The calendar, based on the Sasanian solar calendar and perfected by the famous mathematician, Omar Khayyam, as one of the most accurate calendars in existence today, was barely used after the 13th century AD. After many centuries of confusion about the calendars and even the loss of ancient names of the months, at the beginning of the Twentieth century, the old month-names were restored and Nowruz was designated as the first day of the month of Farvardin. Nowruz is preceded by Chaharshanbe Suri, another celebration with roots in agricultural tradition, and lasts for Thirteen days. Its official end is the Sizdah Bedar, a national day of picnic when everyone goes out to the nature to enjoy the beauty of the revitalized world. The common and popular roots of Nowruz mean that it is free of any official or religious rituals, although as the official New Year, it is marked by Bank Holidays. The thirteen days of Nowruz are spent visiting relatives, giving gifts, and enjoying the company of family and friends. Nowruz has survived many attempts made against its existence exactly because of its deep roots in the traditions of people of Iran and its multi-ethnic and extra-religious quality. Nowruz is also the natural rebirth of nature and despite its Iranian characteristics can easily be celebrated by all the people in the world! Happy Nowruz!

Courtesy: Phil Masters

The Traditional Preparation for Welcoming the Nowruz

kzamembers — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:17:25 CDT

Sabzeh and Khane tekani

Preparation for the Nowruz begins early in March with sprouting of sabzeh (lentil, wheat, or barley seeds) and a thorough khane tekani (house cleaning). The former harks back to the agrarian background of the Iranian tribes that celebrated the main transitions in the climate that dictated the dynamics of their lives. The latter, which entails washing carpets, painting the house, and cleaning the yard and the attic, stems from the Zoroastrians' preoccupation with cleanliness as a measure for keeping Evil away from the kingdom of Good. Symbolically, khane tekani signals to the spirits of the ancestors that their kin are ready and willing to entertain them. In other words, they are invited to descend on their previous homes to help them nourish the growth of the sabzeh, the main source of their sustenance which has been depleted during the long and cold days of winter. Kharid-I Nowruz The sprouting of seeds and house cleaning are followed by kharid-I Nowruzi (Nowruz shopping). Nowruz shopping, a family affair performed mostly to engage the children in the celebration, must include all the members. Everyone must be measured and outfitted with new clothes, shoes, hats, and the like. In addition, as we shall see below, the sofreh (Nowruz display cloth) requires certain items--sweetmeats, confectioneries, candles, fruits, and nuts--which are also bought at this time. In addition to what is bought, women of the household bake various types of sweet breads and sew special clothes for the little ones. At the end a trip must be made to the bank for acquiring shiny, new coins and crisp, fresh banknotes to give out as eydi (gift) and for the sofreh. Khwajah Piruz (Haji Firuz) The month during which Nowruz celebrations are held is an extraordinary time in the life of the community. In ancient times this aspect of Nowruz was so prominent that the mayors of towns were literally displaced by the most victorious person in carrying out the commands of Ahura Mazda and his six holy immortals. This victorious (piruz) khwaja or lord was given the rule of the realm for the period. As a part of his duties, Khwaja Piruz saw to it that all the people of the realm were provided with the amenities and joy that were due them. In time, especially after the fall of Iran to the Arabs who would not relinquish rule to defeated foes, the office of Khwaja Piruz deteriorated into its Arabized form, Haji Firuz. Only the duty of stimulating laughter and providing a good time has remained of what must have been a complex set of social affairs. Today, Haji Firuz is no more than a spectacle that occurs during the last few weeks before Nowruz. He and his troupe of musicians appear on the streets and alleyways all over the country.

Known as the traditional herald of the Nowruz, Haji Firuz is a black-faced character clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat playing a tambourine and singing, "haji firuze, sali ye ruze." (It is Haji Firuz time. It happens one day a year!). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, saz or kamancheh and dance. Those who are impressed with the troupe's performance shower it with coins and paper money. Often, well-to-do Iranians invite Haji Firuz to their home to perform for their wife and daughters who would otherwise never see Haji Firuz in action on the street. Here the group plays popular folk music, performs a variety of comic routines, and tells jokes. At the end of the performance the members are invited to a nice Nowruz meal and are handsomely compensated for their contribution with an eydi (Nowruz gift). Charshanbe Souri

The actual Nowruz ceremonies begin on the eve of the last Wednesday of the out-going year. Early in the evening of that day, referred to as charshanbe souri or "Red Wednesday," several rather large bonfires are made; every member of the family jumps over the fire and says, "sorkhi-e to AZ man, zardi-e man AZ to," which literally means "Give me your redness and take away my wintry sallow complexion). The jumping over the fire is followed by a get together in which nuts and fruits are served. This party is mostly for the benefit of the children of the family who are entertained, long into the night, with stories that they will remember with joy throughout their lives. While the party goes on the fire dies out. The ashes are gathered and, as the symbol of the bad luck imposed by winter, are taken out of the house and buried in the fields. When the person in charge of burying the ashes returns and knocks on the door, those who are in the house ask, "Who is it?" "It is I," says the person returning.
"Where are you coming from?"
"From a wedding," is the response.
"What are you bringing with you?" is the last question.
"Happiness and mirth," is the response. Only then the door is opened and the herald of the new life, who has warded off the bad omen and the evil eye, is ushered in. Fire is of particular significance in ancient Iranian cultures. The charshanbe souri fire might have been related to the signals sent to the spirits of the departed to guide them to their previous abodes to enjoy the prayers that their descendants perform for their benefit. The fact that traditionally the fires were lit on the roofs of houses speaks directly to the necessity of the fire to be distinct and visible.

Qashoq zani As part of the charshanbe souri festivities, and very much like Halloween, children--sometimes accompanied by adults--visit their neighbor's houses in disguise. The disguise is usually something like a veil (chador) covering the entire body. Each member of the party carries an empty metal bowl and a metal spoon. At the neighbor's door, they create a chorus with banging the spoons on the bowl and on the door. The neighbor opens the door and places a treat in each visitor's bowl. The party then proceeds to the next house. As a rule, the members of the party must remain silent and anonymous throughout the process. Often boys and girls who otherwise would have no occasion to see each other, meet across the threshold.

Falgush A more culturally interesting aspect of the charshanbe souri celebration is the falgush performed by girls in their teens and young unmarried women. For this, the teenagers or the unmarried women huddle in the corners of dark alleys and listen to the conversations of passersby. The contents of the first sentence of a conversation exchanged is regarded as an omen (fal) or portent for the future. For instance, if a young girl hopes to get married sometime during the next year and hears the following, "There is no way that any sane person would say no to such an offer..." she would be elated. Conversely, if she hears some thing like, "Do you think we didn't try? It's like talking to a brick wall,..." she would be utterly disappointed.

Tup-i Morvari Tup-i Morvari or pearl cannon was a large cannon kept at the Arg (citadel) of Tehran. Studded with pearls, the cannon was rolled out on charshanbe souri night. Tehrani women, wishing to get married in the coming year, climbed on the cannon and walked under it hoping that their wish would come true.

Gereh Gushai Those who have encountered problems for which there has been no solution often stop the first passerby crossing their path and ask him or her to undo a knot they have tied in a shirt tale. The willingness or unwillingness of the strange passerby to undo the knot is an omen for the resolution of the problem in the coming year.

Pishvaz-i Nowruz Still as a part of the charshanbe souri festivities the family places several low-denomination coins (pul-i siyah), a piece of charcoal, seeds of the wild rue, and a piece of rock salt in a new earthen water jar. Then, the jar is taken up to the roof and from the edge of the roof, the contents of the jar are tossed into the street. While filling the jar the person says, "My pains and misfortunes into the jar!" and when tossing the contents, says, "My pains and misfortunes onto the street!" Serving as a preventative measure, the items in the jar have the power to foil any attempt by Evil at harming the family during the coming year. Often, water is also added to the contents to aid the absorption of evil and to make it sink deeper into the ground.

Shab-i Jom'e The dinner for the Thursday before Nowruz must include pilau and chicken. Fulfilling this ritual assures one that there will be a similar dinner at least once a week during the coming year.

Sofreh-i Nowruz

A few days before the arrival of Nowruz, a rather large table cloth is spread on the floor of the main room of the house and the following items are placed on it:

A copy the Avesta (holy book of the Zoroastrians) is placed in a prominent place on the sofreh. The holy scripture refreshes the bond between the faithful and the source of good emanating from the light.

Haftsin or seven edible things the names of which in Persian begin with the letter "sin" or "s" are placed in a tray or otherwise placed next to each other on the sofreh. Sib (apple), somaq (sumac), sir (garlic), samanu (a paste made with wheat sprouts), senjed (jujube fruit), sohan (a candy made with honey and nuts), siyahdane (sesame seeds), serke (vinegar), and sangak (bread baked on a bed of rocks) are the usual edible items from among which seven are chosen. Since the edible items on the haft-sin are not to be eaten until after the change of seasons, often non-edibles such as sekke (coins), sonbol (hyacinth), spand (the wild rue), sepestan (sebestens), samovar (samovar), or sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts) are substituted. The seven "sin"s symbolically recall Ahura Mazda and the six Amesha Spentas who help him regulate the affairs of man according to the "din" or order prescribed by Ahura Mazda's Ahuric Order. It should be added that today the seven "sin"s are interpreted rather differently, as the following example illustrates

Samanu	sweetness, fertility, having many children
Senjed	love
Sir	medicine for recovering from evil
Sib	health, natural beauty, fragrance
Somaq	color of the sun at sunrise
Serkeh	age and patience; wards off bitterness in life
Sohan	sweetness in life
Sabzeh	purity, opulence, and good fortune

Needless to say, these interpretations are not sanctioned by any particular authority or based on any overall analysis of the theological and/or cosmological values that ancient Iranians might have had for them. What else can be an apt interpretation of sekke (coin) in this context but affluence, wealth, and prosperity? Ironically, this is one of the "s's" that comes into fruition right after the tahvil-i sal. The coins which equal the number of family members, are distributed among the members by the family patriarch (grandfather or father). Additionally, it should be mentioned that haft-sin could have been haft-shin--shir (milk), shekar (sugar), shahd (nectar), sharbat (compote), shane (comb), sharab (wine), and sham' (candle)--in pre-Islamic times. "Shin" has been changed to "sin" to accommodate Islam's disapproval of sharab or wine. Why that one item could not have been replaced with a different item beginning with "shin" is not known. Other traditions relate haft-sin or haft-shin to seven trays (sini) filled with seven delicious food items or seven different growing seeds, or seven varieties of nuts offered to the king. Others consider the seven "s's" to have been Life, Health, Happiness, Prosperity, Joy, and Beauty, all forming the seventh "s" which, according to Zoroastrian traditions, represents Truth. Still others contend that while the first tray to Ahura Mazda was empty (Truth is a combination of things with no substance of its own), the other six trays were filled with flowers, sugar, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, eggs, water, mirrors, candelabra, burning coal, silver, and gold. These items, according to this belief, represent Truth, Good thought, Dominion, Piety, Prosperity, Immortality, and Obedience.

	A mirror placed on the sofreh face up with a plain hard-boiled egg placed on it in the middle.
	A bowl of clear water with an orange and a leaf of a rose bush floating in it.
	Live goldfish in a bowl of clear water
	The barley, lentil, or wheat sprouts that had been growing since early March decorated with a red ribbon around the outside and an orange seated in the center.

In addition to these there are representatives of the other kingdoms sustaining life on earth, i.e., products from the animal kingdom in the form of cheese and yogurt, the plant kingdom in the form of flour, vegetables, rice, and of the water kingdom in the form of the goldfish are also placed on the sofreh. Pomegranates and pussy willows also are sometimes seen. The latter is especially important as it blossoms at this very time of the year. An upright mirror and plenty of colored eggs, cookies, and various types of fruits and sweets, candies, and nuts are added to decorate the sofreh.

Sa'at-i tahvil Sa'at-i tahvil means the hour during which the old year ends and the new year begins. In an Iranian house, during the Nowruz celebration, sa'at- tahvil is a most crucial moment in the life of the family, especially with regard to forgiving past failings, putting away petty frictions that would otherwise fester into conflicts, and looking forward to more constructive relations. And, of course, this is the moment when the egg rolls on the mirror and the orange flips over in the bowl of water. The moment is announced by the resounding boom of cannons fired in the square, by a brief speech delivered by the leader of the nation, and by the debut of a popular song contributed by a popular favorite artist. Just before the change of the year, all members of the family, in their new clothes and holding a new coin in their hand for good luck, gather around the haft-sin display and, quietly and patiently, watch the solitary white egg on the mirror. Each one imagines a huge bullfish in the ocean of time carrying the world on one of its horns. Any moment now, the bullfish will toss the world over to the other horn, resulting in a tremor that will dislodge the egg and send it rolling to the side of the mirror. As soon as the egg rolls, the members of the family, rejoicing, kiss each other, exchange Nowruz greetings, eid-i shoma mobarak! (May you have an auspicious new year!), and proceed, especially in the case of children, to make the rounds of the elders of the family first and of the neighborhood. Adults, too, have a set schedule of visits and of receiving visitors. As a rule, the patriarch of the house stays home until all those younger, and lower in rank, than him come and pay their respects, then he would return those visits. Visits are short. Sweets and tea are the most often served items. The rounds of visitations might last as long as thirteen days.

Beliefs attached to Sa'at-i tahvil Several beliefs related to sa'at-i tahvil are interesting. The first thing to eat, for instance, should be an egg; because it is believed that eggs ensure good fortune. In fact, in some traditions, the patriarch of the family must eat all the eggs that have accompanied the candles placed for each offspring on the sofreh! The first person who enters the house after sa'at-i tahvil might decide the good or bad fortune that would visit the house in the next year. Often a member of the family known to be blessed with good fortune is sent out to become the first visitor. Things brought into the house, especially their color, also have the potential of influencing the course of the future of the family. The color white is regarded auspicious. Black is believed to be associated with grief and strife. Even the place where the individual is at sa'at-i tahvil is significant in that he or she might be stuck to that or a similar location for the entire duration of the coming year. In this context, therefore, one tends not to be anywhere near schools, offices, or the bazaar.

Sizdah Bedar The Nowruz ceremonies end on the thirteenth day of the first month of the new year. On that day almost all the people leave the towns and villages and spend a day in the countryside enjoying the beautiful weather that accompanies the change of seasons. During this outing the sabzeh that had been displayed and with it, all the sins, worries, and concerns of the past are thrown into running water. The new year then begins with a fresh slate on the 14th day of the month. With regard to the sabzeh, it should be noted that some rural folk might plant the sabzeh rather than throw it into running water. It should also be noted that one should not touch other peoples' sabzeh on that day. Before the sabzeh is thrown, girls at the age of being married and unmarried women often tie the blades of the sabzeh saying, "sal-i digar, khane-i showhar, bachcheh dar baghal!" (Let next year find me in my husband's house with a baby in my arms!"

Eydi, Hediye or Kado (gifts) Nowruz visits may include exchange of gifts. Exchange of gifts, however, should not be confused with eydi (New-year gift), which can take a number of forms depending on circumstances. Within the family, the head of the household may give either coins or new bank notes of certain value to the members of his family or to visitors as eydi. The coins may be gold, silver or of some special make. On Nowruz day, the family may stage a small "money-hunting" game. This is very much like finding Easter eggs in the grass. The money, however, is usually placed under the edges of carpets in various rooms in the house. Nowruz visitors during the early days of the celebration are children and young adults; they visit the older members as a sign of respect. Similarly, employees visit their bosses and directors in recent modern time. The reason for the lack of such a visit is usually interpreted as the existence of some deep-rooted hostility or hatred on the part of a young family member or an employee. The visitors do not bring any gifts but may receive a gift. During the latter part of the twelve-day Nowruz celebration, the older members of the family visit the younger members. This visit may include gifts, usually larger gifts like carpets and car, as eydi. Bosses and directors often delay a promotion to be given as an eydi to a deserving employee on the occasion of the Nowruz. In modern times, Nowruz visits have expanded into parties. Some of these parties are communal in nature. Members of the Iranian society organize them. They charge a fee for food and drinks. Other similar parties welcome the guests as "members" of the family. In the latter situation, it is appropriate to bring a gift. The gifts given usually include but are not restricted to confectioneries, especially gaz made in Isfahan or sowhanmade in the holy city of Qom. Although, even in Iran, these sweets are not made at home, they are available from Iranian specialty shops in most major cities. Other types of sweets, pistachio nuts, dried nuts and fruits, books, flowers, and liquor (outside Iran) are also appropriate gifts for the occasion.

Compiled and presented by: Phiroze (Phil) Masters

Navroze History and Celebration

kzamembers — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:56:21 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Navroze Timings‏

kzamembers — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:32:18 CST

Navroze sets in as follows and is on the OX.

IRAN-Norouz-Friday, March 20, 2009, 03:15 PM In Kuwait, the time is: 2:45 p.m. on Friday March 20, 2009.

May the new year bring in happiness, success, prosperity and good health to each and every one of you’ll.

Addis Ababa	Fri 2:45 PM	Guatemala	Fri 5:45 AM	Nassau *	Fri 7:45 AM
Adelaide *	Fri 10:15 PM	Halifax *	Fri 8:45 AM	New Delhi	Fri 5:15 PM
Aden	Fri 2:45 PM	Hanoi	Fri 6:45 PM	New Orleans *	Fri 6:45 AM
Algiers	Fri 12:45 PM	Harare	Fri 1:45 PM	New York *	Fri 7:45 AM
Almaty	Fri 5:45 PM	Havana *	Fri 7:45 AM	Oslo	Fri 12:45 PM
Amman	Fri 1:45 PM	Helsinki	Fri 1:45 PM	Ottawa *	Fri 7:45 AM
Amsterdam	Fri 12:45 PM	Hong Kong	Fri 7:45 PM	Paris	Fri 12:45 PM
Anadyr	Fri 11:45 PM	Honolulu	Fri 1:45 AM	Perth *	Fri 8:45 PM
Anchorage *	Fri 3:45 AM	Houston *	Fri 6:45 AM	Philadelphia *	Fri 7:45 AM
Ankara	Fri 1:45 PM	Indianapolis *	Fri 7:45 AM	Phoenix	Fri 4:45 AM
Antananarivo	Fri 2:45 PM	Islamabad	Fri 4:45 PM	Prague	Fri 12:45 PM
Asuncion	Fri 7:45 AM	Istanbul	Fri 1:45 PM	Reykjavik	Fri 11:45 AM
Athens	Fri 1:45 PM	Jakarta	Fri 6:45 PM	Rio de Janeiro	Fri 8:45 AM
Atlanta *	Fri 7:45 AM	Jerusalem	Fri 1:45 PM	Riyadh	Fri 2:45 PM
Auckland *	Sat 12:45 AM	Johannesburg	Fri 1:45 PM	Rome	Fri 12:45 PM
Baghdad	Fri 2:45 PM	Kabul	Fri 4:15 PM	San Francisco *	Fri 4:45 AM
Bangkok	Fri 6:45 PM	Kamchatka	Fri 11:45 PM	San Juan	Fri 7:45 AM
Barcelona	Fri 12:45 PM	Karachi	Fri 4:45 PM	San Salvador	Fri 5:45 AM
Beijing	Fri 7:45 PM	Kathmandu	Fri 5:30 PM	Santiago	Fri 7:45 AM
Beirut	Fri 1:45 PM	Khartoum	Fri 2:45 PM	Santo Domingo	Fri 7:45 AM
Belgrade	Fri 12:45 PM	Kingston	Fri 6:45 AM	Sao Paulo	Fri 8:45 AM
Berlin	Fri 12:45 PM	Kiritimati	Sat 1:45 AM	Seattle *	Fri 4:45 AM
Bogota	Fri 6:45 AM	Kolkata	Fri 5:15 PM	Seoul	Fri 8:45 PM
Boston *	Fri 7:45 AM	Kuala Lumpur	Fri 7:45 PM	Shanghai	Fri 7:45 PM
Brasilia	Fri 8:45 AM	Kuwait City	Fri 2:45 PM	Singapore	Fri 7:45 PM
Brisbane	Fri 9:45 PM	Kyiv	Fri 1:45 PM	Sofia	Fri 1:45 PM
Brussels	Fri 12:45 PM	La Paz	Fri 7:45 AM	St. John's *	Fri 9:15 AM
Bucharest	Fri 1:45 PM	Lagos	Fri 12:45 PM	St. Paul *	Fri 6:45 AM
Budapest	Fri 12:45 PM	Lahore	Fri 4:45 PM	Stockholm	Fri 12:45 PM
Buenos Aires	Fri 8:45 AM	Lima	Fri 6:45 AM	Suva	Fri 11:45 PM
Cairo	Fri 1:45 PM	Lisbon	Fri 11:45 AM	Sydney *	Fri 10:45 PM
Canberra *	Fri 10:45 PM	London	Fri 11:45 AM	Taipei	Fri 7:45 PM
Cape Town	Fri 1:45 PM	Los Angeles *	Fri 4:45 AM	Tallinn	Fri 1:45 PM
Caracas	Fri 7:15 AM	Madrid	Fri 12:45 PM	Tashkent	Fri 4:45 PM
Casablanca	Fri 11:45 AM	Managua	Fri 5:45 AM	Tegucigalpa	Fri 5:45 AM
Chatham Island *	Sat 1:30 AM	Manila	Fri 7:45 PM	Tehran	Fri 3:15 PM
Chicago *	Fri 6:45 AM	Melbourne *	Fri 10:45 PM	Tokyo	Fri 8:45 PM
Copenhagen	Fri 12:45 PM	Mexico City	Fri 5:45 AM	Toronto *	Fri 7:45 AM
Darwin	Fri 9:15 PM	Miami *	Fri 7:45 AM	Vancouver *	Fri 4:45 AM
Denver *	Fri 5:45 AM	Minneapolis *	Fri 6:45 AM	Vienna	Fri 12:45 PM
Detroit *	Fri 7:45 AM	Minsk	Fri 1:45 PM	Vladivostok	Fri 9:45 PM
Dhaka	Fri 5:45 PM	Montevideo	Fri 8:45 AM	Warsaw	Fri 12:45 PM
Dubai	Fri 3:45 PM	Montgomery *	Fri 6:45 AM	Washington DC *	Fri 7:45 AM
Dublin	Fri 11:45 AM	Montreal *	Fri 7:45 AM	Winnipeg *	Fri 6:45 AM
Edmonton *	Fri 5:45 AM	Moscow	Fri 2:45 PM	Yangon	Fri 6:15 PM
Frankfurt	Fri 12:45 PM	Mumbai	Fri 5:15 PM	Zagreb	Fri 12:45 PM
Geneva	Fri 12:45 PM	Nairobi	Fri 2:45 PM	Z?rich	Fri 12:45 PM

Courtesy: Close friend from Kuwait

Sudhra and Kushti

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:46:28 CST

'If one believes in God and the Avesta as the word of God, but does not wear Sudrah and Kushti, he/she is not a Zoroastrian as without it, one's religious life ends. You cannot say prayers without Sudrah and Kushti. If prayer is said without them, it is a sin'.

Sudhra traditionally is a simple fine cotton knee-length undershirt, made and hand-sewn by Zoroastrian women from undyed cotton, however machine stitching on industrially spun cotton is used in modern times. The white color represents simplicity, purity and stainless behavior in the life. The word Sudhra is also known as sadreh, shabiq, shib, nimak, namak, payrahan (see;Kotwal and Boyd, op.cit p40) It is translated as the 'Beneficial Path' , and is considered as the Garment of Vohu Manah [garment of good thought =Wahman wastar (Pahlv.)] The cotton fabric of the Sudhra is folded over the shoulder to form the front and back panel (I have omitted the detailed measurements from my original article). This fold represents One Creation symbolizing 1: The Past and Future and 2. The connection of Material Existence to Spiritual Existence. Both panels are joined together at the side seams. At the base of V-neck opening is a small pocket which is stitched closed. This is Kisseh-i Kerfeh also called Gireban where wearer's good thoughts, good words and good deeds are stored away for the Day of Reckoning On the back edge is the Girdo, which reminds the wearer that he/she has to carry the burden of responsibility of doing good deeds. At the lower side of hem there are three small Tiris (=pleats) of fabric on the left front and the back Tiri take a diagonal line to the side seam. The front right side sometimes has one Tiri running vertically which represents the Straight Path of Truth. Three small Tiris reminds of Manashni, Gavashni and Kunashni. Readers may note that presently the Sudhras available may lack Tiris. (Mistri 1983 and Jamasp Asana, 1887 have explained about reverse order for man's and woman's Sudhra). It is not clear when cotton was cultivated in Iran but it is recorded that Iran traded cotton at the end of the 6th century CE.. It was specified that the Sudhra fabric should be of a natural vegetable fiber (thus linen is acceptable) to remind Zoroastrians of the creation of plant world, while the wool of the Kushti represents the animal kingdom, Early mediaeval chronicles reported that flax was grown in Fars (cf, Islamic Textiles, 1972). On the middle of the Sudrah is wound the Kushti, girding the waist three times in the manner that the girdle of Ahura Mazda is worn by the Yazatas as per the saying of Dadestan-i Denig (chapt 39,11). It is the sign of duty to keep thoughts, words and deeds free from sin (op.cit). The triple girdling of Kushti 'closes the door against sin' (Mody, 'The Religious Ceremonies and Customs' p187-9) Unlike the Kushti of the Parsis, the Hindu Brahminic 'sacred cord' is worn over the right shoulder but there is a great fundamental religious and social difference. The Brahminic cord is knotted only once, both in design and time by their officiating priest and remains untouched. The Hindus slip the cord when necessary and keep the single knot (known as Brahma Granthi) intact, whereas the Kushti has two reef knots and repeatedly untied and tied by the Parsis for each of the five daily prayers, before and after bathing, going for toilet, and before eating. (at present very few do it). While the Brahmanic cord is formed of three cotton threads twisted and triple-plied, the Kushti is made of lamb's wool (it is recorded that camel-hair was used). Silk is not acceptable as the filaments are perceived as an excretion of silk-worm and thus unclean. The Kushti has a tubular weave, which symbolizes the space between the material and spiritual worlds. The weave is twill formed by a continuous weft passing across six groups of twelve threads. Number six represents the six religious observances called the Gahambars . It also symbolizes six directions, cardinal points and up and down. The number twelve represents twelve months of the Zoroastrian year as well as twelve words of Ashem Vohu. The Zoroastrian priest has to cut and bless the Kushti on removal from the loom and the girdle is turned inside out which signifies that wearer's soul at the appointed time will pass from the material world to spiritual world. After knotting the last portion of warp thread at both ends are braided to form four-faced plait and then regrouped in three plaits which represents three principles of Zoroastrianism which are Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. The secondary plait of the Kushti is made from three sets of eight warps, totaling 24 threads signifying 24 Kardas (Sections) of Visparad prayer. The 72 individual threads used in weaving the Kushti represents 72 Has (chapters) of the Yasna. Thus one can clearly see that the Kushti is the badge of faith and together with the Sudhra symbolically represent the word of God, which is the whole corpus of Avesta. The significance of Sudhra and Kushti is echoed in all Zoroastrian 'rites of passage'. In the past to mark a young girl's first menses she was presented with a new Kushti (cf Boyce, Stronghold). During the marriage ceremony the priest reminds the bride and groom of importance wearing the Sudhra and Kushti. At death both items figure in the funerary rituals. There is also a connection between the Kushti and the construction of a new 'Dakhma' (see Kotwal, The Parsi Dakhma, 1995, MÃ©langes offerts Phillippe Gignoux). , There is also a relationship between the Kushti girdle and tying of the woven date-leaf which binds the Barsom used by the Joti in front of the sacred fire in the Yasna ceremony. Thus the Sudhra and Kushti with their simplicity not only serve as the declaration of faith but also as the continual reminder of the fundamental principles of the Zoroastrianism with the duties and obligations placed on each Zoroastrian. It is the embodiment of the word of Ahura Mazda, which is the Avesta

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Efficacious Prayer for you and your family

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:44:27 CST

Dear All,

A prayer which has been forwarded to me by a Zarthosthis friend which is very powerful and effective and is recommended to daily pray this small and short prayer which is good for us and or family.

Efficacious Prayer for you and your family.

YA NURE' DASTAGIR;
YA DASTAGIRE' NUR,
KARAM KAR KARIMA ;
REHEM KARO YA PARVADIGAR,
MADAD KARO YA NABI,
ZARTHOST TERI PADSHAHI!

(RECITE ABOVE PRAYER 6 TIMES AND THEN 3 ASHEM VOHU).

Just for your info this prayer is in respect of Jamshedji Rushad Kukadaru Saheb and Vakshure Vakshuran Asho Zarathustra Spitama Saheb (means Prophet of Prophets).

Good Luck & God Bless us all.

This is contributed by my good friend Mrs. Anahita Colabewala (Mumbai)

Click on the following links:

Daily Sequence of Prayers

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:43:08 CST

The following is from our Zarathushtri prayer books in Gujarati and English.

Master sequence of prayers:
First, take a bath, or wash the hands and feet and face. With a cap or scarf on your head, and facing the sun or light, but without facing North at any time, pray the Ashem, Yatha, Kemna Mazda, then remove the Kusti from your waist. Pray AhuraMazda Khodae, at this time start tying Kusti, finish tying Kusti, Mazdayasno ahmi, Sarosh Baj, Ahmai Raeshcha, Hazangrem, Jasemeavanghe Mazda, Kefreh Mazda, then the appropriate Geh, then the Farajyat (compulsary) prayers like Khorshed and Meher Nyaishes (only in the first three Gehs), Atash Niyaesh, Hormuzd Yasht, and then Ardibehest Yasht.
A detailed guideline for each Geh follows. Note that the most prayers are recommended in the first Geh, Havan, and this includes the Ardibehest Yasht. The Havan Geh is therefore the best time to pray this Yasht.

Havan Geh (Sunrise to 12:40 PM)
Getting up before sunrise, pray the Hoshbam. When the sun rises, start the master sequence above. Continue with Khorshed, Meher Nyaishes, Vispa Humata, Atash Niyaesh, Hormuzd Yasht. If possible, also pray the Big Haptan Yasht, Ardibehest Yasht, Sarosh Yasht Hadokht and Vanant Yasht. Then the Doa Nam Sataishne, Char Dishano Namaskar, Duva Tandorosti, and Din-no-kalmo.

Rapithavan Geh (12:40 to 3:40 PM)
Start the master sequence above. If possible, continue with Sarosh Baj, Rapithavan Geh, Khorshed, Meher, Atash Niyaeshes, Doa Nam Sataishne, Char Dishano Namaskar, Duva Tandorosti, and Din-no-kalmo.

Ujiren Geh (3:40 PM to sunset)
Start the master sequence above. If possible, continue with Sarosh Baj, Ujiren Geh, Khorshed, Meher, Ava Ardvisur and Atash Nyaishes, Doa Nam Sataishne, Sarosh Yasht Hadokht, Char Dishano Namaskar, Duva Tandorosti, and Din-no-kalmo.

Aiwisuthrem Geh (sunset to 12:40 AM)
Start the master sequence above. IF POSSIBLE, continue with Sarosh Baj, Aiwisuthrem Geh, Cheragno Namaskar (homage to the lamps), Mah Bokhtar (homage to the moon), Atash Niyaesh, Sarosh Yasht Vadi, Doa Nam Sataishne, Duva Tandorosti, and Din-no-kalmo.

Ushahin Geh (12:40 AM to Sunrise)
Start the master sequence above. IF HEALTH ALLOWS, continue with Sarosh Baj, Ushahin Geh, Atash Niyaesh, Doa Nam Sataishne, and if possible Hormuzd Yasht, Ardibehest Yasht, Sarosh Yasht Hadokht, Duva Tandorosti, and Din-no-kalmo.

Notes:
Ava Yasht - if not possible daily, then pray on these days every month: Asfandarmad, Ava, Din, Ashishvangh, Marespand.
Atash Niyaesh - if not possible daily, pray on these days: Hormuz, Ardibehest, Ader, Sarosh, Behram roj.
From the first month of Farvardin to the month of Meher, the first roj Hormuz to the last roj Aneran of these months, pray the Rapithavan Geh in its time slot. But from the Month Ava to the Vahistohist Gatha day, ie. 5 months 5 days, pray the Havan Geh instead.
Also note that Khorshed and Meher Nyaishes are to be recited during the Havan, Rapithven and Uziren Geh only, Vispa Humata during Havan Geh only, Mah Bokhtar Niyaesh during Aiwisuthrem Geh, and during any Geh of the day. Nemaz-i-chehar-disa during Havan, Rapithven and Ujiren. Ardvisur Niyaesh during Havan, Rapithven and Ujiren. Sarosh Yasht Hadokht during Havan, Ujiren and Ushahin. Sarosh Yasht Vadi during Aiwisuthrem Geh only. Patet Pashamani and Stom Karta during any Geh.

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Yatha Ahu Vairvo prayer and the meaning

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:38:35 CST

Yatha ahu vairyo
atha ratush ashat chit hacha,
Vangheush dazda manangho
shyaothananam angheush Mazdai
xshathremcha Ahurai a
yim drigubyo dadat vastarem.

Translations of this prayer vary widely. The following is mostly from Insler's translation (square brackets indicate insertions by me, round parentheses are in Insler's original translation). Just as the Lord [ahu] is to be chosen (in accordance with truth), [asha]

So also the judgment [ratush] [is to be chosen] in accordance with truth [asha].
As a result of this good thinking [vohu mano, the comprehension and choosing of asha]
establish the rule [xshathra] of actions stemming from an existence of good thinking
for the (sake of the) Wise One, and for the lord [ahura] whom they [the divine aspects] established as pastor for the needy-dependents.

Click on the following links:

Ashem Vaho prayer
Daily Sequence of Prayers
Sudhra and Kushti
The Power of Ashem Vohu - New
Efficacious Prayer for you and your family - New
Powerful Prayer - New

Ashem Vaho prayers and the meaning of the prayer

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:29:32 CST

Ashem Vohu Vahistem asti Ushta asti
Righteousness (is Good) Best it is Radiant it is
happiness

Usta ahamaai hyat ashaai vahistai ashem
Radiant (comes) to for the sake of virtue (is) virtuous (which is)
Happiness the one (who) itself best

The first line tells us that the path of righteousness, truth, asha or Ashoi is good and it is the best. It is (Ushta) radiant happiness because only truth can bring us everlasting happiness. The second line tells us that righteousness is for the sake of the best righteousness alone. There is no goodness in forced goodness. We have to speak the truth, be honest, and help others because only such virtues can bring happiness and contentment in this world. We don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that lying, cheating and hurting others by being mean, nasty and greedy is harmful and cannot bring happiness to anyone. Our main mission in this life is to promote Asha for that will bring happiness to all and it will make this place a much better place not only for the present generation but for generations to come.

Ahura Mazda is in accord with Asha and he wants us to promote this path of asha, ashoi and ashem. According to this law good deeds produce good rewards and evil deeds have bad consequences. A scientist working in a lab, a mathematician solving a formula, a mother caring for her family, a student struggling with his homework, a musician composing or creating beautiful music and a person counseling the needy are all implementing Asha in their lives, if they act with truth and integrity. We know that if we do not live in harmony with nature it would lead to catastrophic consequences. Hence, in order to make this world a better place, not only for this generation but for generations to come, we must follow the path of Asha. Human beings are co-workers of Ahura Mazda, but we are not his slaves. We are not forced into doing something or being someone that we don't want to be. Zoroastrians do not believe that good things in life are detrimental to the spiritual life or that we should denigrate the material world.

Click on the following links:

Yatho Ahu Vairvo prayer
Daily Sequence of Prayers
Sudhra and Kushti
The Power of Ashem Vohu
Efficacious Prayer for you and your family
Powerful Prayer - New

Powerful Prayer

kzamembers — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:27:14 CST

A prayer which has been forwarded to me by a Zarthosthi friend, which is very powerful and effective and is recommended to daily pray this small and short prayer which is good for us and or family. *Efficacious Prayer for you and your family.* YA NURE' DASTAGIR; YA DASTAGIRE' NUR, KARAM KAR KARIMA ; REHEM KARO YA PARVADIGAR, MADAD KARO YA NABI, ZARTHOST TERI PADSHAHI! (RECITE ABOVE PRAYER 6 TIMES AND THEN 3 ASHEM VOHU). Just for your info this prayer is in respect of Jamshedji Rushad Kukadaru Saheb and Vakshure Vakshuran Asho Zarathustra Spitama Saheb Courtesy: Gustad Kadwa & Marolia Phiroz Links: Ashem Vaho prayer Yatho Ahu Vairvo prayer Daily Sequence of Prayers Sudhra and Kushti The Powers of ASHEM VOHU Efficacious Prayer for you and your family - New MUSHKEL AASAN prayers for fridays

A prayer which has been forwarded to me by a Zarthosthi friend, which
is very powerful and effective and is recommended to daily pray this
small and short prayer which is good for us and or family.

Efficacious Prayer for you and your family.

YA NURE' DASTAGIR;
YA DASTAGIRE' NUR,
KARAM KAR KARIMA ;
REHEM KARO YA PARVADIGAR,
MADAD KARO YA NABI,
ZARTHOST TERI PADSHAHI!

(RECITE ABOVE PRAYER 6 TIMES AND THEN 3 ASHEM VOHU).

Just for your info this prayer is in respect of Jamshedji Rushad
Kukadaru Saheb and Vakshure Vakshuran Asho Zarathustra Spitama Saheb

Courtesy: Gustad Kadwa & Marolia Phiroz

Links:

Ashem Vaho prayer

Yatho Ahu Vairvo prayer

Daily Sequence of Prayers

Sudhra and Kushti

The Powers of ASHEM VOHU

Efficacious Prayer for you and your family - New

MUSHKEL AASAN prayers

for fridays