CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Celebrated annually every March 21, Nowruz, which marks the beginning of a new year, occurs on the day of the vernal equinox.

Detailed explanation-2: -In Farsi the word “Navruz” means “New day” since on March 21 the duration of day and night are equal and on this date Navruz is celebrated.

Detailed explanation-3: -Variously known as Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz or Nevruz, this historic rite is observed on 21 March in many countries along the Silk Roads, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Detailed explanation-4: -Our oldest records of Nowruz go back to the Arsacid/Parthian times (247 BC-224 AD). There are specific references to the celebration of Nowruz during the reign of Arsacid Emperor Vologases I (51-78 AD).

Detailed explanation-5: -Celebrations: The most prominent Navroz celebrations take place in Maharashtra and Gujarat in India on account of a sizeable Parsi population living in the two states.