The Parsi community of the city celebrated Navroze according to the Shehnshai calender on Tuesday. Dressed in their best, the men arrived at the temple donning the traditional Saturn or velvet caps while the women wrapped scarves around their heads. Irrespective of age, Parsis greeted each other saying “Navroze mubarak”. As part of the celebrations, prayers were offered to seek the well-being of community members. This apart, special thanksgiving prayers were offered followed by ‘open house' for the community people to enjoy traditional delicacies, including the Parsi desert Falooda. Though the Parsi community celebrates Navroze on March 21 according to the Zoroastrian calender which is also known for their harvest festival, the Parsi community settled in India also celebrates Navroze, a New Year day as per the Shehnshai calender which they adapted after they settled at Sanjan in Gujarat. A function and dinner was organised at the Parsi hostel in Sakchi. Meritorious students and achievers were also felicitated in the function today. Delicacies were prepared at homes across the city today.
When contacted, an official of Jamshedpur Parsi Association (JPA) said that the dwindling population remains the concern worldwide. However the numbers have reduced significantly in the city. “Parsees, neither men nor women generally marry at an early age. They aspire to get higher education and establish themselves in a profession before considering marriage. The average age of marriage is the mid-30s. This is also one of the prime reasons for low birthrate,” said another member of the community.