Roj Behram Mah Spendarmad, 1383 Yz. Several readers of Frashogard have asked the question as to how should the name of a deceased person be taken while doing any prayer…
Roj Dae-pa-Din Mah Spendarmad, 1382. Several readers of Frashogard have written asking for details of prayers to be recited during the Muktad days. Since the Muktad days are of special…
Roj Ram Mah Spendarmad, 1382 Yz. The holy days of the Muktad will soon be upon us. What are the specific prayers to say during these days? How should a…
Roj Dae-pa-Din, Mah Spendarmad, 1381 Yz. The question is often put to me by many devotees: ‘Dasturji, for how long should we do the Muktad prayers?’ There is really no…
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.