New Delhi, Aug 18 - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday greeted the nation on the 'joyous occasion' of Navroz, the beginning of the Parsi New Year.

In his message, the prime minister said Navroz, to be celebrated Wednesday, 'symbolises new beginnings to a bright future and is traditionally considered to be a harbinger of peace and prosperity'.

'Navroz', he said, 'reminds us of the rich diversity of our culture and its celebration strengthens the bonds of brotherhood in our society.'

India is home to about 70,000 Parsis, with a concentration in and around Mumbai, according to 2001 census.