Pateti - Parsi New Year Day

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.


The Parsi New Year was named after the great king of Parsia, Jamshed as a tribute. Jamshed is responsible for starting the Parsian calendar. 

The Parsian New Year marks the beginning of the spring. According to the Parsian mythology the universe was created on the day of Jamshedi Navroz. The word Navroz means spring when new flowers blossom and new leaves sprout in the trees. The Navroz is expected to give a new meaning to the lives of people.

he Parsi New Year is the time to celebrate with friends and family. On the New Year Parsis pay respect to the elders of the family and welcome guests at their houses. 

On the New Year the Parsis wake up early. They will clean their houses and decorate it. On the entrance they will make ‘rangolis’ with colors. Then a burning coal scuttle, sprinkled with sandalwood powder, is placed at the doorway. It is believed to purify the air. 

An important tradition of the Parsi New Year is to set a table with auspicious items. Some of the auspicious items are- a copy of the sacred book, a photo of Zarathustra, mirror and also candles, incense sticks, fruits, a gold fish bowl, sugar, bread and coins. Each of these items has its special meaning but overall they symbolize prosperity and long life. 

Offering prayer to the Fire God and visiting the relatives are integral part of Parsi New Year. On this day Parsis start their day by visiting the Fire Temple or the Agiary. Prayers and oblation are offered to the shrines. People will throw sandal wood powder on the holy fire as it is suppose to purify the atmosphere. On this day Parsis will wear their traditional clothes and it is customary to have the head covered with the traditional cap while performing the rituals. 

The visit to the temple is then followed by thanksgiving session. The thanksgiving session is called ‘Jashn’. An important custom of Parsi New Year is to offer food and clothes to the poor. After the priest performs the special thanksgiving prayer Parsis wish each other ‘Saal Mubarak’. 

Foods hold a special place in the Parsi New Year celebration. Scrumptious spreads are made and consumed by the family. Special sweet dishes are prepared along with the special Parsi sweet ‘Faluda’. 

Special ‘pulav’ with saffron and nuts are prepared on the New Year along with fish and other non-spicy dishes. The special sweet dish Ravo made of sugar, milk and semolina is made in every household as well and eaten during the breakfast. Cooking rice and moong daal is mandatory as a part of New Year celebration.  

The lunch on that day is very special consisting of various Parsi dishes, such as Sali boti (a mutton and potato preparation), chicken farchas, patrani machchi (fish steamed in a leaf), mutton pulao and dal, kid gosh and sasni machchi (a thick white gravy with pomfret) jostle for space on the table.

However, the most significant dish that forms an integral part of Pateti celebrations is pulav (rice enriched with nuts and saffron). Besides, plain rice and moong dal are a must on this day.

Desserts include falooda, a sweet milk drink made form vermicelli and flavored with rose essence. Lagan-nu-custard, or caramel custard, is another favorite on this occasion.

The entire day is spent by visiting friends and relative and exchanging good wishes and blessings.

                                                          

May the Fire of Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta (Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds) stay lighted for ever!