The Spring equinox this year falls on 20^th March, at 8:16 pm IST, marking equal day and night, which occurs when the sun is directly over the equator. We observe this celestial event as Jamshedi Navroz. This year’s Spring Festival of Navroz coincides with the Year of the Horse, symbolizing vitality, speed and dynamic progress, encouraging bold bold and decisive actions. Yet, it could also trigger impatience, impulsive behaviour and restless energy, trends already visible across the world today.

Ancient roots

In the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), the great Persian poet Ferdowsi attributes the origin of Navroz to King Jamshid of the ancient Peshdad dynasty. He describes the first Navroz as a celebration of renewal, light and the coronation of a visionary ruler who brought order and civilization to humanity. According to the epic, when the sun entered the constellation of Aries at the spring equinox, Jamshid proclaimed the day as Ruz-e-Nav, or New Day, marking his ascent to the throne.

The festival symbolized the victory of light over darkness and the rejuvenation of life that accompanies spring. Ferdowsi’s account suggests that this tradition has endured for more than three millennia. Archaeological research also indicates that Persepolis, the Achaemenian spring capital, may have been designed to ceremonially celebrate Navroz.

Dawn Of Civilization

Navroz celebrates the dawn of civilization. The kings of the Peshdad dynasty were the Pesh (first or foremost) givers of Daat or Daad (laws). Among kings of that legendary era, Jamshid is referred to as Rayo-mand and Khore-mand (i.e. Radiant and Glorious). Khore (Avestan Khvarenah) is also believed to be a divine mystical force bestowed upon righteous kings or leaders, which aids their mission to make this world a better place.

As a leader Shah Jamshid was a visionary and governed with an even hand. The Shah Nameh says there were no illnesses during his era and which obviously meant health and sanitation were top priorities. There was so much prosperity that the king had to expand the boundaries of his kingdom at least thrice. Arts and crafts flourished. Even the discovery of wine is attributed to his era.

King Jamshid also possessed the fabled Jaam-e-Jamshid (goblet of Jamshid) with which he gazed into the past and the future. Perhaps it was an ancient scientific instrument or an observatory to study the stars and planets and their effect on events of the past and future on earth, indicating his curious and observant mind. As King and priest, he sought Divine guidance throughout his long rule. When the ice age set in he was divinely guided to create a Vara (enclosure) on a mountain and save Ahura Mazda’s good creations from destruction. This story has much in common with Noah’s Ark referred to in the Old Testament.

Lessons to Learn

In today’s world, marked by geopolitical tension and uncertainty, the story of Shah Jamshid offers valuable lessons in leadership and responsibility. Jamshid is remembered as a devout ruler committed to progress, welfare and prosperity. Yet an important question arises. Was it divine favour that enabled Jamshid to achieve such remarkable progress, or was it his dedication to the wellbeing of his people that earned him divine grace? This question reflects a deeper truth about leadership. Does power create prosperity, or does sincere service and progress lead to the attainment of power?

Power itself is a double-edged sword. It can uplift societies or damage them. Abraham Lincoln once remarked that the true test of a person’s character is to give them power. History repeatedly shows that leaders lose authority when personal ambition begins to outweigh the welfare of the people. Power endures when it is exercised with humility, fairness and a genuine commitment to the common good.

Shah Jamshid retained his Khore, or divine glory, as long as he governed with humility and used his authority for the benefit of his people. His leadership brought prosperity and earned him love and respect. Yet when pride and ego entered his heart, the very power that had elevated him began to fade. With the loss of humility came the loss of trust, and eventually the loss of his divine glory and position.

Power and ego often accompany one another, yet ego clouds judgment. It distorts perspective and blinds leaders to truth. Shakespeare’s Mark Antony observed: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” Jamshid’s fate reflects this reality. When people lost faith in him, they sought new leadership, only to invite greater turmoil. History reminds us that change alone does not guarantee better leadership.

Abjure Arrogance

According to the Shah Nameh (the Book of Kings) when Shah Jamshid virtually ushered Frashokereti (or making this world wonderful, excellent and near perfect) he proclaimed in his court words to the effect: “I think that there is no one in this world like me. I am unique. I have bettered this world and alleviated all pain and suffering. Skills and trades are flourishing in this world because of me. Life and awareness of life of my subjects is thanks to me. It’s by my grace that my people have good clothes to wear and good food to eat. I should be recognized by my people as their God”. The Shah Nameh states that as soon as he uttered these conceited and egoistic words, his Khore left him in the form of a bird. Not only did Shah Jamshid lose his Divine Power but all other worldly power.

According to the Shahnameh, Shah Jamshid’s downfall was not simply the result of losing power; it began when his own subjects turned away from him. Disillusioned by his arrogance, they sought a new ruler and eventually found Zohak. The episode reflects the timeless warning that pride precedes decline and that unchecked ego can overshadow years of achievement. Yet Jamshid’s story also highlights an important truth: power is essential for progress and prosperity, but it must be earned through knowledge, wisdom and humility. A healthy sense of pride may inspire confidence, but arrogance weakens leadership and must be avoided.

True leadership is rooted in humility and service. A leader who remains approachable and empathetic creates an environment where people feel valued, responsible and willing to contribute. Empathy allows a leader to understand the needs and concerns of others, strengthening trust within society. As long as Jamshid remained devoted to his people and aligned with Asha, the principles of truth and righteousness, he enjoyed glory and respect. The moment his focus shifted to self-importance, his Khore, or divine glory, abandoned him and his power vanished.

There are several important lessons that one can draw from the story of Shah Jamshid. To begin with, leaders are a beacon of change and innovation but they are also human, and human beings are prone to making mistakes.  Leadership is not merely about holding power, but about enabling progress in a just and equitable manner. A true leader recognizes that they are only a channel for change and should remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute to making the world better.