Yearly Archives: 2010

Read more about the article Can we wish each other Pateti Mubarak?
Pateti Mubarak / Zarathushtrian facts

Can we wish each other Pateti Mubarak?

Gatha Ahunavad, 1379 Yz.

 

On 19th August, we Parsis will celebrate our New Year with traditional gaiety, visiting Agiaries and Atash Behrams, going to see comic theatricals, eating Pulao Dal, sali boti, patra-ni-machhi and wishing one another ‘Pateti Mubarak’. Newspapers will diligently carry small reports on the celebrations, perhaps with a photograph of a happy family posing in front of a fire temple; some will even wish their Parsi readers on the occasion. As the 18th night turns to 19th, mobile phones will buzz with SMS activity revolving around the word Pateti. Thus for a great majority of Parsis and non-Parsis, then, Pateti is a moment of rejoicing that is synonymous with the New Year. But is this all correct?

Pateti is not, in fact, the New Year. It is the last day of the closing year, while the following day, Navroze, is the first day of the next. The word ‘Pateti’ is derived from the Pazend Patet, meaning ‘repentance’. And since Pateti is the Day of Repentance, surely it is paradoxical to wish someone ‘Pateti Mubarak’?

 

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August 14, 2010
Read more about the article When the souls come a-visiting
Muktad / Zarathushtrian facts

When the souls come a-visiting

Roj Ashishvangh Mah Spendarmad, 1379 Yz.

 

Ten days before the Parsi New Year, fire temples around the city are dotted with roses and other flowers. One can see Parsi families dressed in spotless white, heads covered with scarves or caps, proceeding solemnly to their Agiaries with their hands full of floral offerings.

Parsis believe that during these ten days – called Farvardegan in Pahlavi or Muktad in Gujarati – the ruvans or souls of their dear departed visit the Earth. It is considered the duty of their living kin to welcome and honour them by the observance of various ceremonies. Each departed soul has his/her individual vase, which may be a simple copper one or an elaborately carved silver one. Families book tables at their respective Fire Temples, where these vases are kept, filled with fresh well water that is changed daily. For, it is in this water that the souls reside during their ten-day earthly sojourn.

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August 8, 2010
Read more about the article Siroza and Chamsi day of late Vada Dasturji Meherjirana
Dasturji Meherjirana / Zarathushtrian facts

Siroza and Chamsi day of late Vada Dasturji Meherjirana

Roj Khordad Mah Spendarmad, 1379 Yz.

Tomorrow, Roj Amardad Mah Spendarmad (21st July) will mark the Siroza Chamsi (180th day after death) day of late Vada Dasturji Meherji Dastur Kekobad Meherjirana of Navsari. The day after, Roj Dae-pa-Adar Mah Spendarmad (22nd July) will mark his Chamsi (181st day after death). Prayers to mark both these solemn occasions will be recited at the Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff Daremeher at Jogeshwari. On the 21st, the prayers will start with the special Siroza Stum, followed by Jore Siroza Afringan, Siroza Farokshi and Siroza, Ardafravash and Sarosh Bajs. At the same time, two other priests will begin the two Khub Yazashne ceremonies in preparation for the Siroza Vandidad which will take place in the Ushahin Gah that night. In the Aiwisruthrem Gah, a special Machi, followed by Sarosh-Patet prayers will be offered to the Padshah Saheb.

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July 20, 2010
Read more about the article Varasyaji Varzavand is consecrated
Events / Varasyaji / Zarathushtrian facts / Zarathushtrian Miracles

Varasyaji Varzavand is consecrated

Roj Jamyad Mah Bahman, 1379 Yz.

In my earlier post I had informed readers about the sad demise of Shah Behram – the Bhagarsath Anjuman’s Varasyaji in Mumbai and the significance and importance of this majestic religious instrument in our religion. In the same post I had also noted that the Bhagarsath Anjuman had kept a spare white bull to be consecrated as and when the need arose. After the death of Shah Behram, the spare bull, called Varzavand, was expected to be duly consecrated as the spiritual heir to Shah Behram.

Unfortunately, the spare bull developed a skin infection which resulted in some fungus forming on its body. The fungus had the appearance of a black patch. Although leading veterinary doctors were consulted and they opined that the patch would disappear in due course, as a matter of abundant caution, the elders of the Bhagarsath in Mumbai decided to look for another bull which they could initiate.

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July 12, 2010
Read more about the article 83rd Baj of Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shorff
Life of the Master

83rd Baj of Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shorff

Roj Dae-pa-Din Mah Bahman, 1379Yz.

Today, July 7, 2010 marks the 83rd death anniversary of our beloved Master, Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff. Ceremonies to mark this occasion are taking place not only in the Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff Daremeher at Jogeshwari, but also in various Agiaries and Atash Behrams throughout India. That a person is remembered so many years after his death with such reverence and awe is in itself a miracle. We have seen glimpses of his rich and chequered life in our series through the last year. I intend to bring out this series on his life in a book form so that more of our community may know the real facts behind this most amazing person.

Several Parsis, especially those who claim to be “well read, modern, independent thinkers” become very uncomfortable whenever the name of Ustad Saheb is taken. Even if an explanation for a difficult point in the religion is given to them, the fact that the source of this explanation comes from the revelations of Ustad Saheb makes them immediately reject the same, without applying their famous “rational mind” to the explanation.

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9 Comments
July 7, 2010