Holi and Noruz in India and Iran

Abstract

While considering writing about either India or Iran, one has to without any doubt consider reviewing the concerned topic with the history and culture of the other one; that only if the person does not want to be content with fragments and incomplete sketches of the concerned topic, while leaving out a considerable amount of characteristic qualities and pieces of the puzzle in the history and culture of the other nation unexplored and untouched which eventually will definitely result in the hazy and incomplete picture of whatever the person is trying to make clear and obvious in his research or discussion whatsoever. The reason of such claims is the fact that India and Iran are two nations derived from the same stock which “do” exhibit such striking affinity and resemblances that a common man will undoubtedly be confused in the original identity of any matter related to the history or culture of either one of the nations. In other words, while dealing with the history, culture or religion of Aryans of Iran, we must -without having any other way- compare them with their brethren in India. It is with such perspective that the present article is embarking on a quest to analyze one of the national festivals from each nation and find the much-expected connection and similar traits present among them. Holi in India and Noruz in Iran both are one of the most ancient rituals and festivals of each country and the more ancient they are, more are the chances for them to be connected with the mother stock of Aryan traditions.