After death, the dead body is kept for vultures, it is considered a donation.Nature is given full attention in all the ritualsWhat is Tower of Silence, which is built on 57 acres in Mumbai?
In India, people of Parsi religion fled from Persia and reached Gujarat. Since then he became a permanent resident of this place. In India, he especially made a big impact in the business and industry sectors. Although most of the people of this religion are spread all over the world, they live in abundance in India only. However, their population is continuously decreasing.
The lifestyle of Parsis is special. Traditions differ. Many of their traditions are unique and strange. Especially the Parsis, who perform the last rites after death, consider it to be the most strange thing in the world. Let us know which are the 05 traditions of Parsis, which are different and special.
1. Tower of Silence
One of the most striking traditions is the Tower of Silence or Dakhma, where the dead body is left exposed to vultures. This practice stems from the belief that the elements of air, water and fire are sacred. They should not be polluted by burial or cremation. Exposing the dead body to the birds is considered an act of charity, as it provides nourishment to these birds and allows the body to return to nature without any pollution.
People of Zoroastrian religion believe that as soon as the breath leaves the body, the body becomes impure. Instead of burying the body, Zoroastrians traditionally placed it on a specially built tower (dokhma or ‘tower of silence’) so that it would be exposed to sunlight. Predatory birds like vultures can eat it. An area spread over 57 acres has been created for this in Mumbai. Where the dead body is placed atop a large circular tower.
This area is surrounded by tall trees. It has been built like a forest. There are many peacocks in it. In this serene environment, Parsi Zoroastrians of Mumbai, India perform the last rites. Now the vultures are decreasing which is also a matter of concern for the Parsis.
The practice of last rites is called Dokhmenashini. In this the dead are carried to a high, circular structure with three concentric rings on the roof. There is a central bone pit in the middle. It is called Dakhma. And here the dead bodies are kept in the open to rot through the weather and carrion birds. Vultures eat the flesh of the dead. Most people know this as “sky burial”. “Tower of Silence” is a 300-year-old circular tower in Mumbai, called Dungarwadi.
Many traditions of Parsi religion are strange and some are completely unique. (image generated leonardo ai)
2. Navjot Ceremony
The Navjot ceremony symbolizes the initiation of a child into Zoroastrianism. During this ritual, children wear a sacred shirt called Sudreh and a string called Kusti. The ceremony includes prayers and blessings, symbolizing their entry into the community and their responsibilities to their religion.
Program of initiation of a child during Navjot ceremony in Parsi religion (Parsi Religion and its culture facebook ac)
3. Unique wedding customs
Parsi weddings involve different rituals, such as separating the couple with a sheet at the beginning of the ceremony. They perform a ritual in which they throw rice at each other, which is a symbol of dominance. The ceremony also includes a purification bath, similar to Hindu rituals, which shows the blend of cultural influences in their traditions.
4. Celebrating Navroz
Nowruz, or the Parsi New Year, is celebrated with various customs that may seem strange to outsiders. Families meet each other, exchange sweets and wear traditional attire. A special table called “Haft Sin” is prepared with seven symbolic objects starting with ‘S’ to indicate prosperity and health for the coming year.
5. Use of silver ‘cess’
There is a unique tradition among Parsi women in which they carry a silver plate called ‘Sess’ filled with ritual objects symbolizing the unity and strength of the family. This plate includes objects representing fire, water, plants and animals, emphasizing their connection to nature and spirituality.
Carries a silver plate filled with ritual objects called ‘ses’
Why do Parsis avoid bathing in rivers and springs?
Water is sacred for them. It is used in purification rituals. Parsis avoid polluting natural water sources. Instead of bathing directly in rivers or springs, they prefer to draw water from them for their rituals.
Why did Parsis come to India?
Zoroastrians fled religious persecution in ancient Persia during the rise of the Islamic empire. He took refuge in India. It is said that they reached the coast in Gujarat, India in 8th to 10th big boats and ships.
How old is Parsi religion?
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is based on the teachings of the Prophet Zarathustra, who lived 3000 to 3500 years ago. It was the dominant religion in Persia during many dynasties.
Tags: Last Rites, Ratan father, religion
FIRST PUBLISHED: October 10, 2024, 19:13 IST