Parsis mark a new beginning

The Parsi community across India marks their New Year today, 200 days after it is observed across the world. TG Life speaks to some of the members about the traditions

| AUGUST 17, 2018, 06:19 PM IST
Parsis mark a new beginning

BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO 


Parsis may be a declining community in the country and in the State too; but their contribution to the well-being of the larger interest of the society is profound and unparallel. From their outlook and behavioural patterns, they come forward as a lively community, looking at life as it comes with goodness, fulfillment and positivity. Interestingly, the Parsi New Year is celebrated twice in the year depending on the calendar followed. While the Iranian calendar heralds the festivity on the spring equinox, in India and Pakistan it is celebrated about 200 days after, ignoring leap years and following the Shahenshahi calendar. Today, in India, Parsi New Year ushers in with a lot of pomp and gaiety.  

TG Life spoke to a few members of the Parsi community to know more about them on the occasion of the Parsi New Year.  

“I recall we (my wife and I) were invited by Goa’s Parsi Lieutenant Governor, KT Satarawala (February 24, 1983 – July 3, 1984) and his wife, in the early 1980s for a celebration on Parsi New Year’s at his palace. There was a good crowd of around 200 people, most of mixed marriages,” recalls Farrokh Maneckshaw, proprietor, Laguna Anjuna.  

“I would not know how many Parsis are currently in Goa, but there are basically different pockets of the community all over Goa,” he stated in response to a question.  

On his plans for the festive occasion this year, he says there would be no formalities. “As we do not have a Fire temple here, like in Mumbai, our day on the auspicious occasion would start with prayer and meditation at home. There on we invite our relatives, friends, irrespective of the community they belong to, for a celebratory meal,” Maneckshaw revealed.  

On the food served on the festive Parsi New Year, Maneckshaw stated that fish is auspicious on their menu. “We serve dishes that include pomfret on banana leaf, fried fish, even tomato based curry rice. We also serve a variation of caramel custard called Lagan nu custard which is baked with a lot of nuts.”

While revealing that his family was largely in Darjeeling and Sikkim, he added that Parsi jokes about their love for car maintenance are many and legendary.  

Reasoning out why Parsi New Year is celebrated about 200 days later, in India and Pakistan, he has an interesting take. “Parsis are largely apolitical. Feroze Gandhi was the husband of Indira Gandhi and father of Rajiv and Sanjay. He did not get along with Nehru and was a rebel and freedom fighter rather than a politician,” he disclosed.  

Speaking about their other customs and traditions to a steadily declining community, he had this to say. “From around nine years of age, the Parsi children have a Navjote ceremony (a thread ceremony) where they are first taught about the religion. Parsi weddings are largely in the evening. Feasting and merriment is a part of both. We have no dogmas and are exhorted to follow the voice of conscience,” he divulges. “All that being said, 70% of Parsi marriages have been mixed marriages, Parsis are largely ultra modern and actually most do not bother with these customs. But one thing that has endured is the love for good food and wine,” - Farrokh Maneckshaw, proprietor, Laguna Anjuna  

Meanwhile, Maneck Contractor, a Parsi based in Assagao has been living in the State for the last 26 years. The 50-year-old hinted on the humour side associated to the Bawa community with a witty statement, “Preparations for the Parsi New Year would be as long as it takes to stock the bar and marinate the meats and sea food.”

“The Parsi community or individuals have always blended with any community anywhere in the world. They have been reputed to have enhanced other communities and give more than they take. And thus they are rather welcomed the world,” the boat builder added.  

 “There are barely 50-60 Paris in Goa. Major celebrations are generally at home with a few friends or in their respective hometowns. Customs are usually in hometowns as there is no fire temple or priest here but priests come from Pune, Mumbai, etc if called,” Zubin Vazifdar, Candolim 

“On Parsi New Year, new clothes are worn for the Fire temple visit and party thereafter. Food is prepared on the same day from morning,” 50-year-old Zubin Vazifdar from Candolim  said.

Known for their taste for delectable cuisine and fine drinks, the caterer says that dishes like Patra ni macchi (fish with green chutney steamed in banana leaf), Mutton Sali boti, sauce ni macchi, prawn kababs, mutton pulao, caramel custard are prepared. As for drinks, we love our scotch and vodka.

While their community may be endangered, Parsis will never be written off for their purpose of living life with a lighter vein and revelry as would their New Year give testament the fact.  

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