IRNA – Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind have expressed their congratulations on the advent of Nowruz (New Year).

“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings on the occasion of Nowruz [Norouz], according to Modi’s website.

'Nowruz Mubarak to the Parsi community! May the coming year further the spirit of happiness and harmony. I pray that everyone’s dreams and aspirations are fulfilled,' he said.

Meanwhile, Nath Kovind in a Twitter message said “Nowruz [Norouz] Mubarak to everybody, especially to our small, much-loved and overachieving Parsi community. May the coming year be happy and fulfilling.”

Parsi is one of two Zoroastrian communities (the other being Iranis) majorly located in India and a few in Pakistan.

Nowruz is celebrated as the first day of the Persian year (March 21). The tradition which is originated from the ancient Iran is also celebrated in some other countries.

Senior officials of many countries together with resident ambassadors in Iran have so far expressed congratulation over the Iranian New Year.