Navroz Across Central Asia & Europe
Navroz, born in Central Asia, heralding Spring around the Vernal Equinox. It's celebrated worldwide, from Europe's diaspora to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, with Haft S
Young and Old celebrate Navroze in Tajikistan by Esfandiar AdinehOriginal Source: Esfandiar Adineh
What is Navroz?
Navroz is the festival of Spring. Celebrated across the world, its origins are in Central Asia where 21st March brings blossoms, hyacinths and tulips growing wild after the end of a cold winter. Symbolically, it is also the triumph of life over death.
The Law of Asha or Harmony
The law of Asha or Harmony is at the core of Zoroastrian environmental rituals and life. The Ashem Vohu mantra is the first prayer taught to children. Farzan Kotwal, Opera Singer performs the Ashem Vohu Prayer in celebration of Navroz- Stuttgart, Germany, 2024.
From Archaeological ruins to modern Afghanistan, Navroz is celebrated in the Balkh region even today, where it is believed Zarathushtra lived. The Fire altars are testimony to an ancient history. Courtesy - Reza Husseni, Cambridge University, UK
‘One week before Navroz, hair is cut across Afghanistan because old hair should vanish & like Nature a human being must also see the change of the year….we painted our hands with Henna & then ran to see the Navroz Jhanda or Mawla Ali Flag’. Reza Husseni on Navroz in Afghanistan.
Along with dances, wrestling and proving strength is a part of the Navroz celebrations for youth in Tajikistan.
Musical instruments are offered for sale at Street markets for the 4 day holiday of Navroz while women in National costume collect Sabz on the Sofreh. Courtesy- Esfandiar Adineh
The National celebrations of Tajikistan take over the streets while men & women enjoy complete freedom very like the Carnival of Europe & South America. Courtesy Esfandiar Adineh
Music is an integral part of the festival. Performances, pottery and twirling costumes make these days memorable. Courtesy Esfandiar Adineh
Nowruz in a part of Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan.
Nowruz in the city of Kulob in the south of Tajikistan.
Pictures from Shahzod Kenjazoda, Samarkand, Uzbekistan celebrates Navroz. Courtesy Behzod
Spring blooms & blossoms
Fire, fruit and music are integral parts of Navroz in Lahij, Azerbaijan.
The burning away of the old is a part of the Pre-Navroz celebrations. The UNESCO recognition of Navroz has revived traditional crafts such as that of the copper smith in Lahij, Azerbaijan. Courtesy Galina Woodova
From Central Asia, we move to Switzerland where in Zurich, Zoroastrians gather from across the region to feast & greet the New Year. Courtesy Tvisha Vakil Shroff
Dr. Shahin Bekhradnia left Iran many years ago but continues to celebrate Navroz at Oxford, UK. Courtesy Shahin Bekhradnia
Navroz in British History
In this photo we see the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe´s Jamsheedi NoRuoz Banquet in 1906, at Cafe Royal, London. Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji the first Asian in the British Parliament is in the Chair as Founder Member.
In the photo on the left, we see the Navroz celebrations in 1935. While in the photo on the right, is from a Navroze Banquet in 1960, at St. Ermin’s Hotel, London. Dr. S.B. Karani, President ZTFE in the Chair while Dr. Mrs. Shirinbanoo S. Kutar, the first woman to be elected ZTFE President in 1970 is present with her husband Dr. Sorabji Kutar, Dastur of Europe. What differs over the years is the changing role of women.Courtesy Malcolm Deboo, President, ZTFE & Dr. Karishma Koka
Letter from the Prime Minister of United Kingdom by Malcom Deboo, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of EuropeOriginal Source: Malcom Deboo, Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe
Celebrating Multiculturalism
A congratulatory Message from Prime Ministers is now a regular feature. Courtesy Malcolm Deboo, President ZTFE, London
Creator: Dr. Shernaz Cama, Mahtab Irani & Neeru Negi, Parzor Foundation
Farzan Kotwal, Stuttgart, Germany
Reza Husseni, Cambridge University, UK
Afghanistan in Colour: From Internet
Esfandiar Adineh, Tajikistan
Behzod & Shahzod Kenjazoda, Uzbekistan
Dr. Galina Woodova, Azerbaijan
Tvisha Vakil Shroff, Switzerland
Shahin Bekhradnia, Oxford, UK
Malcolm Deboo, President ZTFE & Dr. Karishma Koka, London
