Three Parsi New Years

In our minuscule community we celebrate three New Years. Pateti (often called Papeti) was considered the New Year until we were recently made aware of the difference between Navroz and Pateti. How does one explain this to a non-Parsi?

They say: Happy New Year.

We say: Oh no, it is not my New Year, it is Sunamai’s New Year. Mine was one month back and Tehmina’s New Year was in March.

They ask: How come?

We say: You see, many years ago our priests calculated the New Year to fall on a particular day. Years later a priest from Iran came along saying our calculation was wrong and the New Year should be a month earlier. Since he came from Iran, some Parsis felt he must be correct and so followed his instructions. Up came a third group who, if I may be allowed to say so, were more practical and decided that March 21 was the right day.

Mental confusion, but "let’s leave it alone” say the non-Parsis, and carry on.

They say: Happy Pateti.

We say: Oh no, Pateti is the last day of the year — Navroz is New Year.

They say: But you have always called it Pateti — even the cards are printed as "Happy Pateti.”

We say: Big mistake made many years ago, of course before our time.

They ask: You have these prayers called muktad. What are they?

We say: They are prayers for our dear departed said before our New Year.

They say: Oh, so your dear ones hear the prayers one month before Sunamai’s and Tehmina’s hear them in March!

They are too confused to ask any more questions!

For an educated community like ours this is a ridiculous situation. Isn’t there any way in which all can agree to one particular day as our New Year, or are we going to squabble over this as well?

I am a Shahenshahi by tradition but feel the most sensible day to celebrate the New Year is March 21 as it has equal day and equal night, signifies the start of spring and so the beginning of new life. However, whichever be the day, let’s celebrate one Parsi New Year.

I wonder how many are going to agree with me and how many are ready to pick my bones!

MEHROO KHAREGAT

Meherbai36@hotmail.com