By By our correspondent
The Zoroastrian (Parsi) community in Karachi celebrated the religious festival of Navroze on Saturday with due reverence. The day holds special significance for the Baha’i, Ismaili, Iranian and Shi’a communities as well who trace their roots back to Persia (modern day Iran) and mark the first day of spring on March 21 according to the vernal equinox of the sun.
Literally, Navroze means ‘New Day’ and celebrations at most Parsi households commence with special breakfast, mainly ‘Ravo’ prepared with suji, milk and sugar. Apart from this, there is a custom to spread the Haft-Seen – a large platter filled with seven dishes – each beginning with the Persian letter seen. Eggs and a bowl of water containing live fish, a silver coin, some flowers and painted eggs are also kept along with food to symbolise creation, wealth and productivity for the year ahead.
As part of the annual ritual, a grand feast for the Zoroastrians in Karachi was also hosted at a local hotel by a prominent Parsi businessman Byram Avari.