Paidust reforms

During a funeral after the geh sarna it is customary for only Parsi Zoroastrians to see the face of the corpse while paying their last respects. The non-Parsis present are not permitted to do so despite their closeness to the deceased. This is an insulting custom which has no religious mandate and does not behoove an intelligent and friendly community. The procedure of sezdo is the last homage to the soul (ravan) of the departed and not to the body which is lying in the bungli.

Parsis pay respects to the souls of Hindus, Muslims and Christians at funerals. In the Zarathushtrian system, before the sachkar anyone can see the face and pay tribute, but after the sachkar not even the nearest and dearest are allowed to touch the corpse except the nassessalars in order to avoid pollution and infection, as per the principles of hygiene.

The entire body of a Parsi Zoroastrian corpse is covered with white cloth. To see the face is mere sentimentality. We should move with the times and think of suitable reforms to avoid insulting anyone. Everyone attending a funeral should be able to pay their respects to the departed while the body is being brought out of the bungli by the nassessalars.

Our religious minded forefathers sacrificed living in the prosperous land of their birth in order to save the religion and preserve the purity of blood. Why can’t we let go our selfish sentiments during the paidust? This reform will show that we are a broad minded community. It will also save time and inconvenience to elderly mourners who have to enter the bungli in a queue.

The liberals argue that when a dog is allowed to enter the bungli and see the dead, why should we prevent non-Parsis from entering? This is called the sag-deed; vision of the dog. During geh sarna, this has religious value to safeguard the ravan against negative forces. The dog is important as a guiding agent of Sarosh Yazad. Dogs having clairvoyant sight are able to see the invisible kaherp of the ravan and protect it from any evil in the environment. Dogs are faithful friends during life and offer this special favor for the dead, aiding the ravan on its journey to heaven.

We should not be rigid about misguided traditions and instead behave like a forward looking community. Even orthodox groups will support this reform. They do not object to the presence of non-Parsi mourners during the besna (condolence meeting) when they come to pay their respects as their presence provides solace to the relatives of the departed.

The uthamna (raising of the soul) ceremony is attended only by Zarthoshtis. There are demarcations in all communities according to their traditions. However, to avoid any possible conflict and to maintain friendly relations with all communities, such restrictions are not necessary. We pay homage to Zarathush­tra without seeing his presence. The Religious Council should implement the new reform of consolidated homage during paidust, which has more value.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad