The first official gathering at Chit Chaat Chai is confirmed for Sunday, March 21st, 2010! And I could have not asked for a more symbolic day to land on the 3rd Sunday of the month then the Persian New Year, Navroz. Navroz (Hindi) or Nahrooz (Persian) means a new day. It is the first day of the Iranian calendar which begins on the Spring equinox. Although, I am not of Persian decent, the roots of my community are connected to Iran . This connection has kept the celebration of Navroz alive and marks March 21st as a day to show gratitude for the abundance of life that comes with spring.
Navroz also reminds me of my Nani spending the entire day in the kitchen cooking up a feast for the family and preparing offerings to take to our community center. With the help of her daughters - my mom's sisters, she would prepare pretty platters of dried fruits and nuts, colored eggs, and fish. We always had fish on this day especially, Machi Bhaat, a dill and fenugreek pilaf of sorts from the Sindh region. Another tradition was Rose Sharbhat, a drink we had on every happy occasion. It is the Desi version of a strawberry milk float minus the strawberry but keep the pink and add rose, basil seeds and some almond and pistachios. We like our kibbles! As a child, I remember racing to get in line after the Navroz ceremonies to get a cup of this delicious concoction that made the room smell of sweet rose and vanilla ice cream. Let's face it I would still stand in a line for this cooling drink especially on a hot day.
This year, I share the tradition of Navroz with you, my urban family in the same spirit of gratitude and the celebration of spring. I hope you can join me @ 6pm on March 21st at the dinner table for a yearly family tradition of Machi Bhaat, a glass or 2 of Rose Sharbhat along with a couple of 2nd gen. additions. Navroz Mubarak and a kiss on each cheek!
Navroz also reminds me of my Nani spending the entire day in the kitchen cooking up a feast for the family and preparing offerings to take to our community center. With the help of her daughters - my mom's sisters, she would prepare pretty platters of dried fruits and nuts, colored eggs, and fish. We always had fish on this day especially, Machi Bhaat, a dill and fenugreek pilaf of sorts from the Sindh region. Another tradition was Rose Sharbhat, a drink we had on every happy occasion. It is the Desi version of a strawberry milk float minus the strawberry but keep the pink and add rose, basil seeds and some almond and pistachios. We like our kibbles! As a child, I remember racing to get in line after the Navroz ceremonies to get a cup of this delicious concoction that made the room smell of sweet rose and vanilla ice cream. Let's face it I would still stand in a line for this cooling drink especially on a hot day.
This year, I share the tradition of Navroz with you, my urban family in the same spirit of gratitude and the celebration of spring. I hope you can join me @ 6pm on March 21st at the dinner table for a yearly family tradition of Machi Bhaat, a glass or 2 of Rose Sharbhat along with a couple of 2nd gen. additions. Navroz Mubarak and a kiss on each cheek!
