..:: Pateti - Parsi New Year Day - Meaning & Celebrations ::..
PATETI - is the Parsis New Year Day. The last day of the previous year is the time to close off all accounts for that year. The significance of this day is that it is the time to consider the wrongs and sins of the previous year and atone for them.
In India's multicultural society the Parsis have a significant position. They have lived in India for centuries. On Pateti day they visit their temple called the AGIARY. In the Agiary is kept the sacred fire which was brought from Persia when they first came to India and is always kept burning by their high priest. They worship Ahura Mazda, symbolized by fire. They renew their promise to have good thoughts, use good words and perform right actions.These are the three tenets of their religion. The word "PATETI' comes from PATET which means repentance.
Parsis wear their "kushti" or sacred vest. The men wear their tradtional dress called 'dagli' while the women dress in their traditional 'Gara' sarees. A 'Jashan' (worship) is performed and sandalwood is offered to the fire.
As for most festivals, cleaning the house is important. Chowk Chandan, which is rangoli stamped out of tin molds decorates the steps and threshold of the house. Guests are greeted at he gateway with a garland. A tilak is placed on the forehead of the children, new clothes are worn and elaborate menus prepared. After the Jashan, ( thanksgiving prayers) in he temple the rest of the day is spent in meetng and visiting with friends and family. The traditional greeting is "Sal Mubarak" (Happy New Year).
PATETI is celebrated six days before Khordad Sal, or the birthday of the prophet Zoroaster.
Article Source : India - Jai Ho
