August 10th 2023.
The Muktad festival, a time of great significance for Parsis, has begun. From August 6 to August 15, Parsis from across the city are engaging in various rituals to honour the departed souls. Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, a Parsi Scholar, states that Muktad is a 10-day festival and is often mistaken to be a period of mourning. It is in fact the concluding days of the religious calendar, including five additional days referred to as Gathas. According to their religious text, souls and guardian souls come to the material world during this period to be with their family and enjoy their company.
To welcome these visiting souls, homes are prepared with prayers, fragrant flowers, and oil lamps. A symbolical metallic vase with flowers is a common sight in households. Dr. Karanjia explains that the departed souls like cleanliness, harmony, and charity. As such, people clean their homes for them, do charities and help people around them since it brings the departed souls joy.
Additionally, Parsis also offer food and fruits during this period. Bomi Hansotia, who visits the Fire Temple near his residence in Cusrow Baug in Colaba before work, faithfully follows this ritual. Moreover, certain fire temples conduct prayer services beyond the 10 days, even for up to 18 days.
This year's Muktad period coincided with an incident involving the seizure of sandalwood stock from a Parsi Trust office in Gujarat. This caused concern amongst some community members, as the action had never been taken before the festival and there was no restriction of burning sandalwood. In response, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet is seeking total exemption from the Uniform Civil Code.
The Muktad festival is an opportunity for Parsis to celebrate and honour their departed souls. Through prayers, offerings, and kindness, the Parsi community is reaffirming their faith in this significant celebration.
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