Farverdegan festival

Parsi Zoroastrians observe the holy festival of Fraverdegan during the 10 days of muktad which means mukta atma or entirely liberated souls who have no worldly attachments or family relations. We invoke and welcome our dear departed ones in the form of Farohars who roam around to bless the world and do not remain at any one place or reside in silver vessels. They arrive in one majlis (congregation) and do not require separate tables, ceremonies or prayers as individuals.

In the past muktads were held in every Parsi residence in a separate room so an individual table was necessary for the offerings. Later, when this was no longer possible, muktads were observed in agiaries where there is a spiritual environment. The traditional usage of separate tables has been continued blindly, though it is no longer required. Farohars like to roam around in the garden, and a garden-like environment is created with flowers in vases. They also love roshni (light) from oil lamps. They are very happy with common rituals and are thankful for love, dedication and offerings given by us. They return from this world after giving us their blessings.

The first five days, from Ashtad roz of Fravardin mah are known as Roze Keh and are meant for charity. The five Gatha days are more important and are known as Roze Meh. They are the last days of every year. The last Gatha, Vahishtoisht, is when an account is taken of our deeds, good and evil, and for repentance. It is Pateti, a day of confession and determination to improve during the coming year, giving us the opportunity to forget and forge friendships with all.

The Parsi community is talented and progressive. Why should we continue with wrong traditions? Can we not think of making substantial changes? It would be advisable to avoid individual vases and place one large flower display near the fire. Can we not have a common platform for trays of offerings instead of individual tables? Can we not have common prayers and rituals? Instead of the priests reciting the names of individuals we should pay homage to the Hama Asho Farohars and recite the names of our loved ones ourselves with love and respect.

Muktads are congregational. We can save time, high costs which the poor and middle classes cannot afford, and solve the problem of scarcity of priests. Since the main object is charity, Khaitvadath, we should give offerings, Dathremdayat, to the needy instead of taking the chasni home ourselves. The religious purpose would be served if Satum is offered to the Hama Fravash and not to individual souls. The dishes offered should not contain any non-vegetarian items.

We enjoy the New Year due to the blessings received during the muktads. We are guided, inspired and protected by spiritual forces throughout the year. Teachings of the Gathas will help us to live a useful life for our spiritual upliftment.

Will the council of priests consider reforming the present mode of muktads?

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad