Page 34 - English Class 04

grains, some flowers, some fruit, coins,
bread and other special objects are

arranged on the table. Traditionally,
seven objects beginning with the

Persian letter ‘s’ and ‘sh’, for
example: serekh or vinegar; sumac

– an exotic herb; sir or garlic; sib –
an apple; sabzi or green vegetables

and shir or milk; shahad or honey;
or shirini – a kind of sweet dish, are

kept on the table to make the day

holy.

Before the sun rises on Navroz

day, the family sits around the table
mubarak : congratulations
together, lights the candles and says a

prayer before the meal. Gifts are exchanged between family members and they
wish one another ‘Navroz Mubarak .’

In the morning, they go to the fire temple to offer their prayers. As a rule,

men and children cover their heads with specially designed caps, while the

women use a part of their dupatta/sarees to do so. Each person carries a
sandalwood stick with them to offer to the fire. After the prayers are over, they

hug and wish one another a good year ahead.

Food is also an important part of the festival. Visitors to any house are

offered sweets like the Rava and a sweet milky drink called Falooda, both
popular during Navroz. People feast on pulao, a kind of fried rice rich with

saffron, fish steamed in banana leaves, chicken curry with almonds, plain rice
and cooked split green gram or moong dal with their friends and neighbours on

this important day.

Which harvest fes val do you celebrate?

English-4 34