PUNE: Parsis is the city are planning a pious ceremonies to observe the end of Pateti on Thursday, considered by the community in the Indian subcontinent as the beginning of the New Year, also known as the
Jamshedi Nowruz
.
The other Nowruz, in the FaslilBastani calendar generally occurs in March.
Over the ten-day period of Pateti, adherents of
Zoroastrianism pray
for the souls of the deceased in the community , and also repent for one's own sins in front of
Ahura Mazda
, the single deity in the faith.
On the day of the New Year, Parsis are expected to take part in community events, apart from joining family feasts, which include specials made either in the family , or by Parsi eateries. Exchanging sweets like freni is also an essential part of community gatherings during Pateti.
Old-time Parsi favourites like chicken and mutton biryanis are regular fixtures for Pateti feast, and so are the mutton and chicken dhansak. One of the most well-known Parsi eateries in the city has already prepared its bill of fare for Thursday, including some specials for this year.
“Like every year, there is the typical plain rice and dal that people in the community like.This year, we have prawn preparations as well, like the prawn kabab, as well as pomphret roasted in a tandoor. Our food is already in high demand due to the festive season, because it tastes like home food, and because of our menu,“ says Fahreez Irani, co-owner of the Rustom Restaurant on MG Road.
“The day of the Nowruz is all about feasting, drinking, new clothes, and gathering in the fire temples and community halls. The days before during Pateti, we pray for the souls of the deceased,“ says Fabio Chindy, a member of the Parsi community in the city.
“Most of our community visits the fire temple. Besides, a sumptuous lunch and dinner, we have a comedy lined up, performed by the young members,“ says
Tehmas Bharucha
.
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