History cherishes Navroz, the ancient Iranian festival marking the renewal of nature and the enthronement of King Jamshid on the day of Hormazd in the month of Fravardin. Navroz is a time for cleansing the body and soul of sorrows, based on the idea of universal happiness, kindness, goodness, peace, tolerance and unity.
I greet the arrival of the ancient Navroz festival in the Zoroastrian year 3762 (equivalent to 1403 solar calendar in Iran), and also the birth of Asho Zarathushtra on the sixth day of Fravardin, which is recognized as Zarathushtra Day in Iran’s official calendar.
"Oh Lord, we offer our gratitude for establishing the truth. You crafted the earth and the sky, water and plants. You brought forth light and joy with your compassion. You guided us to approach you with virtuous character, to spread the faith of truth by our good words and bring progress and prosperity by our good deeds. Now that with the passage of time a new era dawns we raise our hands in prayer. Through knowledge and wisdom, we strive to fulfill the purpose of existence.” (This is an excerpt from the prayer for the beginning of the new year in Seventh Yasht in the Avesta).
We, the people of Iran, take pride in our heritage as one of the oldest civilizations to embrace monotheism with the birth of Zoroaster the Prophet within our borders and for being a safe haven for followers of all faiths who have coexisted in peace and harmony for centuries.
Throughout history Zoroastrians have distinguished themselves by their devotion to wisdom, education and hygiene. They have made significant contributions to the societies in which they have lived, including in Iran and India. They have also steadfastly preserved the cultural heritage, festivals and rituals of their homeland through the many ups and downs of history, with the celebration of Navroz being one of the most notable examples.
To the Zoroastrian and Parsi communities in India I wish a year filled with health, success, vitality and blessings from the bountiful Izad (God).
Dr DAVOUD REZAEI ESKANDARI
Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai
iranconsulate.mum@mfa.gov.ir