Pateti

Description

In India's Cosmo cultured society, Parsis has a considerable position. For centuries they have scattered in different parts of India and living prosperous life. Pateti originally took place on the last day (or on last 5 days) of the Zoroastrian calendar year. 

History:

It is actually the day of introspection. The word Pateti is derived from Patet which means 'repentance'. On Pateti they visit their religious place Agiyari to worship the sacred fire, which was brought from Persia during their first entry in India. The sacred fire is always kept burning by their high priest.

Customs and Tradition:

The Parsis on this day promise to live with good thoughts, good words and perform right actions. Being a day of 'repentance', the Parsi community gives more importance to good thoughts, good words and good deeds. Any reaction in breach of the promised ideals is treated as a sin or offence against the good qualities and so an individual must repent and pray on the day of Pateti. Pateti is not the New Year but is celebrated on the eve of the New Year, while wishing Parsi community it should be Happy Navaroz or Happy New Year and not Happy Pateti.

On Pateti Parsis wear Kurti or their sacred vest. The men wear their traditional apparels called Dagli and women wear their loom gara sarees as per their traditions. They visit their divine place Agiyari to worship the sacred fire where 'Jashan' (worship) is performed and they offer sandalwood to it.

During this time, the Parsis clean their homes and decorate them with flowers and "Torans".  They visit their friends and relatives and exchange gifts. On this occasion they prepare special food. The menu consists of "Patra ni machchi", (fish wrapped in Banana leaves), Sali boti (meat with potato chips), falooda and rava.

Significance:

While praying on day of Pateti, a person confesses their own faults and prays to God for the spiritual strength to face retribution. He also prays for the strength to avoid wrong doings.