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Prayers and parties preoccupied all age groups involved with the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) as they celebrated the onset of spring and Jamshedi Navroz with five different events in March 2024. The highlight for the community was receiving a message from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who sent "the Zoroastrian community of the UK my very best wishes for the Jamshedi Nowruz celebrations.” 

He further wrote: "Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among people based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and togetherness. With its hopeful message of new beginnings, Nowruz offers a valuable opportunity to refresh and look ahead to the future with hope… This ancient festival, first celebrated in Persia, is one of the most important dates in the Zoroastrian religious calendar. I know that this is a very special time for Zoroastrians in this country and around the world.” 

This message forwarded to Parsiana by ZTFE president Malcolm Deboo was read out at the Navroz celebration at the Zoroastrian Centre on March 21 by ZTFE vice president Jesmin Sorab and was also circulated and displayed at the Navroz lunch on March 24 at St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel. 

The chief guests at the Navroz function on March 21 were the mayor of Harrow Ram Chauhan and his wife Meena who were welcomed with the traditional aachhu meechhu and later felicitated by Deboo and ZTFE trustee Rusi Dalal. Iranian community officer Khashayar Khosraviani and his wife Mahnaz explained the significance of the haft seen table to the chief guests.

In his address Deboo gave a historical account of Navroz celebrations at ZTFE. He further acknowledged the mayor’s efforts in organizing the South Asian Cultural Dance Festival at the Zoroastrian Centre on November 19, 2023 that was featured on Zee TV. That event hosted by ZTFE during the Interfaith Week "helped build cohesion in society while highlighting the rich diversity of the Indian diaspora in the UK.” ZTFE honorary secretary Rohinton Munshi explained the significance of Navroz. He further mentioned that just as the mayor oversees charities that assist the vulnerable in society, ZTFE through its initiative, Care in the Zoroastrian Community (CZC), under the leadership of Rozy Contractor and her dedicated team of volunteers supports elderly members of the community.

The evening celebrations had started with a traditional jashan by Ervads Yazad Bhadha, Zubin Bhedwar, Zubin Writer and Yazad Unwalla. The quartet also recited benedictory prayers for King Charles III and Princess Catherine who are undergoing cancer treatment, and other members of the Royal family. Bhadha had additionally recited benedictory prayers in the Setayash Gah (sanctum where the sacred fire is lit on ceremonial occasions) at Zoroastrian Centre for the King and the Princess of Wales. As Deboo noted in an email to Parsiana, "ZTFE being the oldest faith-based voluntary organization in the UK are mindful of the benevolence of the British monarch…for allowing the Zoroastrian community in the UK to practice our religion freely.” 

A large contingent from the School of Oriental and African Studies, their collaborators and students were hosted by ZTFE and shown gratitude for their research on Zoroastrianism. As Prof (Dr) Almut Hintze subsequently acknowledged in an email to Dalal: "I am so grateful for the experience and particularly that all our students were able to celebrate Navroz at ZTFE and experience a jashan and maachi ceremony upstairs (at the Setayash Gah).” 

A hearty repast with starters, main course and dessert was enjoyed by over 175 members and friends. ZTFE joint secretary Yazad Dalal had arranged for soft background music.

The luncheon at St James’ Court was "a sellout with 200 participants. The triple highlights of the event” were the jashan at the start of the function, the buffet spread and the launch of [Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia’s] English compilation of Tamam Khordeh Avesta sponsored by ZTFE donor Dr Zarthustra  (Zar) Amrolia and his brother Prof Persis in memory of their parents Armin and Jal Amrolia. The Amrolia family was present at the luncheon. "The sumptuous volume was extremely well received and hailed as a historic edition which will serve the generation of Zoroastrians who read their prayers in English,” wrote ZTFE trustee Dorab Mistry. He further gave credit to Mehrnavaz Avari, area director and general manager of St James’ Court for facilitating ZTFE to celebrate festive occasions in central London within walking distance of Buckingham Palace. The 50 youngsters present at the function were seen enjoying themselves and dancing to the music organized by the disc jockey.

On March 3, over 120 senior citizens, children, parents and youth enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities at the Together Old and Young Zoroastrians (TOYZ) Navroz get-together organized at the Zoroastrian Centre by the Fun Club and the CZC teams. The day started with pairing up the children with senior citizens who would be their buddy throughout the event. From a getting-to-know-you activity sharing favorite memories of Navroz and a competitive quiz, to a lemon-and-spoon relay race and musical statues, "it was so beautiful and touching to see the pairs guide each other through the various activities, enjoy each other’s company and build special bonds that they will treasure forever!” noted a report on the event forwarded by Deboo. 

Following a musical performance by Zeus Ginwalla, who sang and played the guitar, everyone enjoyed a traditional Persian lunch provided by Polow Restaurant and Bamboo Hut. There was also a session explaining the significance of Navroz and a visit from Amu Navroz (legendary Iranian character who brings gifts for children at the onset of spring) and his beautiful helpers who distributed presents to all, courtesy the Simin and Shahrokh Shahrokh NoRuz Children’s Fund. 

Yet another celebration in March was on the Iranian/Fasli Khordad Sal on March 25 with a thanksgiving jashan sponsored by former ZTFE trustee, the late Bahman Mobed and his wife Nahid. As remarked ZTFE communications officer Dr Karishma Koka, "We strive and succeed in building cohesion and happiness between Mazdayasni Zarathushtis from different parts of the world (haftkeshwar zameen) and of different ages together with family and friends. The wide array of over 20 dishes in the potluck on panjeh (the Iranian equivalent of Shahenshahi/Kadmi muktad) was a testimony to this with traditional Iranian food and authentic Parsi cuisine savored by all who attended. Our youth took a very active part in all our functions which was appreciated by all.”

Adding to the festivities, around 50 members joined in the Z Club event on March 27 at the Zoroastrian Centre. As part of their monthly get-together for seniors, they had included a light exercise routine with music, bingo, refreshments, lunch and cutting of a cake in honor of those who celebrated their birthday in March. The Navroz table and Easter decorations added to the gaiety.

The day of vernal equinox each year should be designated "National Zoroastrian Day,” recommended Lou Correa when submitting a resolution at the second session of the 118th Congress on March 19, 2024. Correa was elected to the US House of Representatives (H. Res.) from California’s 46th District in 2016. The resolution introduced by him has been referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, it was reported on the official website www.congress.gov

  

In support of the resolution (H. Res. 1088) Correa had cited several reasons: "whereas Zoroastrianism is regarded as one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, originating in ancient Persia; whereas the Zoroastrian legacy includes contributions to history, civilization, and influencing the development of world democracy by upholding universal human rights; ... whereas Cyrus the Great, a follower of Zoroastrianism, recorded the first declaration of human rights on the Cyrus Cylinder in 539 BCE; whereas the Zoroastrian declaration of human rights, focusing on freedom of religion, cultural and civil rights, and abolishment of slavery, influenced the American Founding Fathers and the United States Constitution; whereas Zoroastrianism has an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide, with over 14,000 Zoroastrians residing in the United States of America; whereas the spring festival of Nowruz, also referred to as "Navrus” or "Novruz,” which celebrates the New Year, is held on the day of the vernal equinox, and is the most auspicious day in the Zoroastrian calendar; and whereas the festival is rooted in celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.”

Since the Zoroastrian Association of California falls under Democrat Correa’s jurisdiction, in August 2021 he had succeeded in including a citation in the US Congressional Record in recognition of "the remarkable contributions of the Zoroastrian community in the United States and throughout the world (see "Recognition for religion,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, October 7-20, 2021).” According to his website correa.house.gov, the legislator has "introduced legislation to protect the legal rights of immigrants, care for veterans and fight against the wasteful spending of taxpayer money.” 

The Biden administration hosted a Navroz celebration at the White House on March 23, 3024. Representing the Zoroastrian community were Dr Zarir Khademian, president of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington Inc (ZAMWI) and Kersi Shroff, founder member and past president of ZAMWI.

Invitees were representatives of faith-based and cultural organizations, and professionals from the fields of medicine, academics, business, etc.  Representatives from different countries like Tajikistan where Navroz continues to be celebrated due to ancient Iranian influence were also present at the White House, it was reported in the April issue of the FEZANA Bulletin. 

Unlike the very elaborate celebration last year which included "talks by President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, orchestral accompaniments and a sumptuous reception, this year was just a plain walk through the various rooms of the White House,” conveyed Shroff when responding to queries by Parsiana.

The Zoroastrian percussion group Avay e Mehr, playing on the daff, performed at the city’s first-ever Navroz celebration hosted at the Vaughan City Hall on the invitation of mayor Del Duca on March 25, 2024. Originally a rural township located at the northern edge of Toronto, the City of Vaughan is one of the region’s fast-growing suburban municipalities. 

Avay e Mehr has been entertaining the community at several events at the Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr (MGDM) in Ontario. Daff is one of the most prevalent percussion instruments in Iran and the Middle East. The diameter of the circular instrument resembling a large tambourine is about 48-55 cm wide. The instrument is held in one hand while the performer uses the other hand to create different rhythms and sounds.

For the Navroz event, Avay e Mehr performed for half an hour before an audience of around 200 members. "Their musical talents were well received by the enthusiastic audience consisting of various government officials. We thank the group for representing the Zoroastrian community in Ontario,” noted a report by Bahram Jam in the April 2024 newsletter of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario. 

The Daff group has been rehearsing at the Darbe Mehr since 2018 and performing at community events like Mehregan, Sadeh, Navroz. Currently this group of 12 members has nine women who play daff, one vocalist, one piano player, and Kamran Bemanpour who is in charge. They practice for two hours every Sunday afternoon. 

In Sydney, "Nowrooz from a Zarathushti/Zoroastrian/Parsi perspective” was showcased by the Zarathushti community of Sydney at the Powerhouse Museum on March 17, 2024. A major branch of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, the Powerhouse Museum is popular for its interactive exhibits and engaging displays. The gathering was introduced to Prophet Zarathushtra, his monotheistic religion and his teachings where "freedom of thought and freedom of will form the foundation of human morals,” as explained Farida Irani who spearheaded the event. 

Dr Rostam Farhadieh then alluded to the Iranian Zoroastrian mythological legacy and stated that Zarathushtra represents good thoughts, Ferdowsi Toosi who penned the Shahnameh, good words, and Cyrus the Great, good deeds. 

Children bringing their symbolic representations for the haft seen table gave the audience an understanding of the seven Amesha Spentas and Ahura Mazda’s creations. Two priests recited the Ashem, Yatha and Yenghe Hatam prayers, and the audience was introduced to Zoroastrian culture and traditions by other speakers. The half an hour presentation was brought to an end with a recording of Sing Ashem Vohu, Say Yatha Ahu where the meaning of these two fundamental prayers are set to lilting music and rhythm.