Navroz is about dressing up, praying and relishing Parsi delicacies: Delnaaz Irani

Time of India

2 days ago

Delnaaz Irani
While aspects like relishing food, offering prayers and spending time with loved ones remain the same, Navroz celebrations have changed over the years,' says Delnaaz Irani. The actress, who is currently seen in Mannat: Harr Khushi Paane Ki, says, 'It's a fast-paced world and times have changed.
Every Navroz, we get envelopes as gifts and we used to collect those from our parents, aunts and uncles. Poorey saal ki pocket money mil jaati thi. While we still get envelopes, now we give it to our next generation too (laughs).'
Talking about her plans today, Delnaaz adds, 'It will be a great start to the new year, as I will be shooting. Percy (Karkaria, her partner) and I will visit an agiyari, might enjoy a quiet lunch, and meet friends and extended family.
Pulao Dal is my favourite dish to have on Navroz. I also love Patra Ni Macchi, Marghi Na Farcha and Berry Pulao, and having Mora Dar Chawal with Kolmi No Patio today is considered auspicious. For us, food is the most important thing on Navroz.
' Excerpts from a chat:
'I used to perform a play on Navroz during my theatre days'
On Navroz, we wake up early, dress up in new clothes and go to the fire temple. After that, we enjoy a lavish family lunch.
Evenings are usually reserved for a movie or fancy dinner with the family. This day is all about joyous moments spent with your family and loved ones. As a child, we woke up to our house filled with flowers and mithais like delicious Lagan nu custard and ravo made by my mom. Another beautiful childhood memory is that of us going to watch a Parsi-Gujarati play every Navroz.
When I started doing theatre, I made sure we had a play on Navroz, which everyone used to watch.
'The celebrations have changed, but emotions haven't'
I still have the fondest memories of visiting my aunt on Navroz and enjoying with my cousins, having amazing, authentic Parsi food and spending time with each other. Today, most of them are settled abroad, and the ones here are busy too. We still spend time together on Navroz, but I miss the innocent celebrations from childhood. For Parsis, it is khao, piyo, mazze karo, and that is how we are today. On video calls, we talk about how all of us are going to spend the day and how, as children, we spent the best times of our lives together.
Now, even though I have to work on the day of Navroz sometimes, I make sure to celebrate it in whatever way I can. Celebrations have changed, but the emotions we share with our loved ones remain the same.