India, Aug. 15 -- Coinciding with India's Independence Day today, the Zoroastrian community in the country celebrates their New Year aka Navroz or Nowruz. Food plays a major role in the festivities as it is a thread that connects them to their ancestors. Similar to the Chinese, the Parsis also believe in incorporating different items in their meals to signify prosperity and good luck. The fish is one such item, explains Chef Kaizad Patel, the proprietor of Mumbai-based Kaizad Patel Caterers. "Many people eat Mawa Ni Boi, which is a sweet made of mawa and shaped like a fish, which signifies abundance and good fortune." Saas Ni Macchi is another fish preparation that is relished on this day. Chef Kaizad says, "The Parsi food in India is very different from that eaten in Persia. Our food is similar to Gujarati cuisine with a little bit of British influence, as you can see with the Saas Ni Macchi. It is fish simmered in a sauce made from rice flour, eggs, and stock." The Patra Ni Macchi is also a popular item eaten in a Navroz Bhonu. The fish (or paneer for the vegetarians) is smeared in a green chutney made with coriander and mint, along with freshly grated coconut, turmeric powder, jeera, garlic, vinegar, sugar and green chilli, wrapped in a tender banana leaf and steamed. For Chef Yajush Malik from Gallops Restaurant in Mumbai, the day starts on a sweet note with a "breakfast of sev and sweet curd" that can signify wealthy and joy. "The sev or vermicelli is browned and cooked with sugar, ghee and dry fruits," he says. Ravo is another classic dessert enjoyed on this day. Similar to kheer, ravo is made by cooking semolina in milk and adding dry fruits. A proud Parsi, based in Delhi, Chef Anahita Dhondy has been showcasing her heritage on social media. While Sali Boti and Eeda (egg) dishes are a well-known part of the traditional Parsi Bhonu, Chef Anahita loves the Shehenshahi Pulao, which "is traditional and has its roots in Persia with our familiar Indian flavours too. We always have some kind of rice, meat and dry fruit dish to celebrate Navroz, and this is one example." The Parsi Bhonu also includes the classic Dhan (rice) Mori Dal (yellow dal with a garlic and ghee tempering) and Patio (prawns or fish, cooked with eggplant onion and tomato which is sweet spicy and sour, sort of like a masala/pickle to go with the dal rice)....