Growing up in Mumbai within the folds of our  Zoroastrian religion, strictly followed the dictats of our religion Good Thoughts , Good Words, Good Deeds.  In those days time to celebrate the Parsi (shenshahi) new year was a joy.

New Year day came after 10 days of muktad prayers, when every morning we used to wake up early, shower and visit the agiary (fire temple) for prayers which were recited by our learned dasturjis. We prayed too and the agiary was bursting with activity. Dasturjis chanting prayers, in one unison and devotees bowing their head to the vases of their dear departed family members, filled with flowers (mainly roses and lily).

The environment  in the agiary was completely charged. Scent of sandalwood  burning and flowers in vases (in name of dear departed) hitting ones senses one cannot ask for more during these 10 days of Muktad prayers.

Originally we have observed 18 days of muktad but as time went by it got reduced to 10 days.

After the tenth day of muktad are over came the long awaited parsi new year day. Every child in parsi house hold awaits that day, as parents would have bought them new clothes to wear, gifts galore, good food, sweets and the evening culminating into either a movie or a parsi natak (stage show).

The new year day begins in a typical parsi household with shower, a breakfast which is never complete without sev and dahi. Early  morning ‘naan khatai band’ used to come and play at most of the parsi households, followed by the postman, telephone man, cleaners, servants and we give them tips called “bakshish”. Parsi Thy Name is Charity.

Soon its time for a visit to the Agiary praying for the well being of self, family and the environment we live in. Thanking Dadar Ahura Mazda for the wonderful world we live in, for a good year past and to have a good year ahead for all of us.

Later the family members either get into their cars or call a taxi (No Uber, Ola or Lyft in those days) and visit atleast one Atash Behram. If one were to visit the Atash Behrams at Dhobitalao, did not miss a chance to visit our age old Parsi Dairy Farm. We loved it then and even now. Our elders used to order mithai (sweets), followed by their famous Kulfi. Later after our morning  rendezvous return home and have a nice home cooked  Dhan Dal and fish patio or eat food ordered from outside, or from one of the caterers.

A quick nap and we used to get excited to get ready for an evening out. Out to watch a Parsi Gujarati play by famous playwrites of the bygone era Adi Marzban,  Dorab Mehta and many others. After the play either go to a nice decent restaurant and eat out or come home and have home cooked hefty dinner, followed by either an ice cream or parsi custard.

After an eventful day as night draws closer we used to tread the thought of going back to school.  Parsi schools, especially Sir JJ and Byramji Jeejeebhoy used to give us five days of gatha holidays.

Those were the days.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year filled with joy and happiness with your family.

Aspi Ustad