New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings and best wishes to all her fellow citizens on the occasion of the Parsi New Year, Navroz, on Friday.

'On the auspicious occasion of the Parsi New Year Navroz, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially Parsi brothers and sisters,' Murmu said in a post on X.

'Navroz symbolises renewal, hope, and prosperity. This important festival of the Parsi community is an occasion to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. The Parsi community's spirit of enterprise and its dedication to public welfare have made invaluable contributions to the progress of our nation. May this special festival bring peace and prosperity to all and inspire every citizen to contribute towards building an inclusive nation,' the President said.

Parsi New Year, which is also called Navroz or Nowruz, marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. In Persian, 'Nav' means new, and 'Roz' stands for the day; this literally translates to 'new day'.

Navroz celebration is believed to date back to the time when Prophet Zarathustra founded Zoroastrianism, one of the earliest known monotheistic religions in the world, in Persia (now Iran). It was one of the most important religions in the ancient world until the emergence of Islam in the seventh century.

During the invasion of Persia, several Persians fled to India and Pakistan. Since then, their festivals have become a part of Indian festivities and are celebrated by people from diverse cultures.

People from the Parsi community celebrate Navroz in special ways. They decorate their house with flower garlands swinging from the doors. They wear new clothes and visit the Zoroastrian fire temple. (ANI)