ZOROASTRIANISM
A small religion, Zoroastrianism is considered the first
universal and monotheist religion in history. Zoroastrianism
is also known by Zarathustrism, Mazdaism and Parsism. Zoroastrian
theology had a great impact on Christianity, Judaism and
other religions, particularly with beliefs about God and
Satan, the soul, savior, resurrection, heaven and hell,
final judgment, etc. Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest
religions and may have been the monotheistic religion.
Prophet Zarathustra also known as Zoroaster founded this
religion in Persia during 6th century B.C. and was born
in Mazar-i-Sharif (now in Afghanistan). Though, there was
a time when Zoroastrianism was spread from the Mediterranean
to India, but now it is found only around Shiraz in Iran,
Karachi in Pakistan, and Mumbai in India. The followers
of this religion are known as Parsis as they hail from Persia,
from where they fled to escape persecution. It is the first
religion to claim and spread the belief that god is omnipresent
and is invisible. The essence of the religion is the philosophy
that the good will win over evil by following the principles
of Humata (good thoughts), Harkta (good words) and Huvarshta
(good deeds).
Avesta is the holy book of Zorastrians. It includes the
core, original five hymns of Zarathushtra called the Gathas.
Gathas guide towards worship of only one God, understanding
of righteousness and cosmic order, promotion of social justice
and individual choice between good and evil. Zoroastrianism
lay emphasis on equality of gender, equality of all humans,
cleanliness of the environment, Hard work and charity, Condemnation
of oppression toward human beings, condemnation of sacrifice
of animals. Equality of all humans. In Zoroastrianism, the
symbol of fire and sun are considered to be "energy
of the creator" which are both enduring, radiant, pure
and life sustaining.
Parsis worship fire in fire temples and wear a sadra or
sacred shirt and a kasti or sacred thread because of their
belief in the purity of elements. Unlike any other community,
Parsis do not bury or cremate their dead but leave the bodies
in 'towers of silence' where they are eaten by vultures,
which is believed to be the ultimate good deed of the human
being. In order to be a true Parsi, it is necessary that
the father & mother both should be Parsis and this is
the reason that their numbers are gradually declining.
FESTIVALS
Gahambars: - Gahambar means 'full time',
or 'proper season'. Gahambars is a Parsi festival. This
Parsi festival honouring the seasons occurs six times a
year. Tributes are paid to the phases or elements responsible
for the creation of the world. Each of the six phases -
heaven, water, earth, flora, fauna and man - is associated
with one Gahambar, and is celebrated over five days. Gahambar
is a community festival and pays tributes to God and Creation.
It is also one that reinforces feelings of brotherhood.
It is aimed at reminding Parsis of their roots and the good
deeds that a true Parsi must do.
Khordad Sal: - Khordid Sal is the birth
anniversary of Prohet Zoroaster. It falls on the sixth day
of the Parsi month, Farvardin (sometime in August or September).
On this day of Khordad Sal, the birthday of Prophet Spitaman
Zarathusatra is celebrated symbolically by the Zoroastrians.
Exact year of Zarathushtra's birth is not known, but commonly
acknowledged that he was born in the beginning of the first
millennium BC. So the celebration is marked symbolically.
In the past, the king and nobility, observed Khordad Sal
as Navroz-I-Khas. On this day, many historic events of Iran
are believed to have happened. Years later, it is observed
as Zarathushtra's birthday. Parsis wear new clothes, the
house is cleaned and decorated with rangolis, fragrant flowers
are arranged and delicious meals are also prepared. The
ritual of Jashan, or thanksgiving prayers are offered at
the temples. A grand feast is prepared to mark the occasion.
Jamshed Navroz: - Jamshed E Navroz is
the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year.
Parsis follow the Fasli calendar and their New Year commences
with the Vernal Equinox. The festival is celebrated with
lot of enthusiasm. All the rituals of Jamshedi Navroz are
dutifully followed by the community. Parsis offer special
prayers on the day, savour the fixed menu of the festival
and greet each other. According to popular legend, the mythical
Persian king Jamshed was the first to celebrate this festival.
The Shah Nameh states that the feast commemorates the ascent
of King Jamshed into the skies, in a chariot built by the
demons he had subdued and forced into the service of mortals.
Named after the king, Jamshed-e-Navroz appears to have been
a pagan pastoral festival that marked the transition from
winter to summer. The rites of fertility and procreation
can be perceived in some of its customs. Parsis celebrate
Navroz in a grand and elaborate fashion. They rejoice whole-heartedly
and celebrate the day in a spirit of friendship, harmony
and happiness. They wear new clothes on the day and welcome
the guests with a sprinkling of rosewater and rice and also
applying tilak.
Zarthost No Deeso: - Zarthost No Deeso
takes place in June, on Khorshed roz, Dae mah (11th day,
10th month) of the Zoroastrian calendar. This is the day
on which the death anniversary of the prophet symbolically
falls. Special prayer sessions are organized and prayers
are recited with religious discourses focusing on the life
and works of the Prophet. Zoroastrians visit the Fire Temple
to pray. Marked as a solemn occasion, elaborate celebrations
and public functions are largely absent. Even religious
ceremonies and services are confined to the temple or homes.
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