Parsis all over the country are gearing up to celebrate Pateti, which is the Parsi New Year. Also called the Nowruz, the day will be celebrated on August 17 this year in India. The Parsi community has a good long day of celebrations with an elaborate feast for friends and family. Like Maharashtrians prepare for their new year beginning by cleaning their house, Parsis have similar preparations. They offer special prayers in the Fire temple.

Date of Parsi New Year:

The dates of Parsi New Year differs depending upon the calendar followed by the community around the world. Parsis are settled in Russia, Syria, Turkey, Pakistan and Iraq along with India. The Parsis in India follow the Shahenshahi calendar. According to that Parsi New Year 2018 will fall on August 17, 2018.

History of Nowruz

The Parsi community is actually migrants in the country. They came into the country years ago when the Islamic armies invaded in Persia. They follow the Zoroastrian religion. The festival is named after the Persian king Jamshed who started the Parsi calendar. Hence the day is also called as Jamshed-i-Nouroz. What is Haft-Seen, Its Significance in Iranian Festival & Traditions of Persian New Year?

Significance of Pateti

The word Pateti originates from the Middle Persian word 'Patet' which means repentance. The day is to sincerely repent for all your sins. Parsi community people observe this day repenting for the wrong deeds and thoughts from the previous year. It is a day of purifying one's mind and begin with the idea new thoughts on the next day and year.

Celebrations for Parsi New Year

The Parsis celebrate the new year day in much pomp and show like other communities. After offering special prayers for the day, they indulge in cooking delicious feasts. Some people make rangolis to decorate the outside area of their homes. The main element of this day is to mingle with everyone in joy, letting go of the past sorrows and grudges. Starting with a new thought, Parsis greet each other wishing for peace and harmony. People also prefer going for family outings and organising social parties for the day. Some also donate to charity to begin their new year by helping others in need.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 01:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).