PATETI AND KHORDAD SAL : New Beginnings

The older sect of Parsis celebrates the first day of the month of Farvardm as their New Year. On this day the Parsis review their actions in the past year, make resolutions for the new year, recite Patet or the prayer of repentance, hence the name Pateti, and promise to live in the righteous manner prescribed by their religious teaching.

As in most festivals, cleaning the house is an important activity of this day as well. The chowk chandan, which is rangoli stamped out of tin moulds, decorates the steps and threshold of the house. A garland on the doorway welcomes guests. A tilak is placed on the foreheads of children, new clothes are worn and elaborate menus organised. Jashan or thanksgiving prayers are offered in fire temples and t he day is spent in meeting family and friends and exchanging the traditional greeting Sal Mubarak.

Six days later, Khordad Sal is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Zoroaster. Parsis offer worship at fire temples and make a feast of Parsi specialities like Chicken Farcha and Sas ni Machchi.