In 1079 AD, an Iranian king named Jalaluddin Malekshah introduced the Navroz (New Year) festival to generate revenue and collect taxes from people. It was observed on March 21 to mark the beginning of spring.
In the 18th century, a rich tradesman from Surat, Nusservanji Kohyaji who often travelled to Iran, came to know about Navroz and began celebrating the day at his bungalow back home. In the 19th century, another Parsi gentleman, Merwanji Panday, started celebrating the day in the then Bombay after his wife who was from Iran told him about it.
Over a period of time, the festival was imported to India by the Parsis who eventually connected it to Jamshed, the illustrious king of Iran. Thus, the day came to be known as Jamshedi Navroz.
Scriptures state that in the realm of King Jamshed, there was no excessive heat or cold, there were no premature deaths and everyone lived happily. The people were so contented that it reflected on their faces and if a father and son walked together, the age difference would not be visible. King Jamshed, like the other ancient kings of Iran, was known for his truthfulness and righteousness. For Parsis, celebrating Navroz in its true sense means living truthfully and walking on the righteous path.
Dressed in their festive best, the Parsis offer prayers at Atash Behrams or fire temples, cook an elaborate spread, offer charities, and call over friends and relatives to celebrate the day. But Parsi high priest Dasturji Feroze Kotwal says the most important aspect of the day is to instil good thoughts, do good deeds and speak good words. As long as the Parsis imbibe the qualities of their ancient kings, they have observed Navroz in the best possible way, he says.