The Parsi community is Zoroastrian. They arrived in India 1200 years ago from Persia. The Parsi community is less then 0.02% of India's population but their contribution in all spheres of Indian life - arts, sciences, politics, business, and foremost of all - in social commitment and philanthropy - has been phenomenal. Like in all Indian communities, fire plays an important role their religion, and hence Parsi matrimonial customs are very similar to those of other Indian matrimonials.
Despite the Parsi community's humble beginning in India, which was followed by grand progress expansion and achievements, they have managed to keep their tradition and customs very much in tact. This is reflected in the Parsi matrimonial rituals. read more..
Parsi matrimonials start with the procedure of matchmaking. The first ceremony is called the 'Rupia Peravanu'. A few ladies from the groom's side visit the girl's house carrying a ses (a silver tray carrying traditional items, required for all important occasions). The girl's mother at the door, while performing a simple Parsi aarti, greets them. This is known as 'Achoo Meccho'. The bride is then called to receive silver coins along with blessings from the elders. This pre - matrimonial ceremony is as good as a pre - engagement. It is interesting to note that an egg is used in this Parsi Wedding ceremony and is broken into the pot in which a mango sapling will be planted during the pre - matrimonial ceremony of 'Mandav Saro'. This is followed by the girl's family reciprocating the visit and is known as 'Adravann'. Rings are exchanged along with pre - matrimonial gifts. The gifts to the bride-to-be include sari and red bangles. 'Sagan' is done to the bride and the groom.
Just a couple of days before the actual matrimonial day, prayers are offered to ward of any evil eye and to make sure that the matrimonial alliance goes off without a hitch. The Parsis call it the 'Mandav Saro' and is held at the respective houses independently. Thursdays and Sundays are considered auspicious for this ceremony. Planting of a mango sapling marks the ceremony.
Another pre - matrimonial ritual that takes place, on the same evening, is the 'Aderni', where the bride is given red bangles to wear on her wrists. These bangles are meant to be worn until the actual matrimonial day. The bride is also presented with jewelry and other gifts. The gifts that are presented to the bride are from her father and include every item possible that will help her set up her house after the matrimonial alliance. Simultaneously, a similar pre - matrimonial ceremony is held at the boy's house. After this ceremony, the bride and groom are not allowed to meet till the wedding day.
The dead ancestors are offered prayers of honour on the third and fourth days. These days are known as the 'Varadh - Patra' days. The prayers said on these days are known as 'Satum' and 'Baj' and are performed in the Parsi Fire Temple. This is the manner in which the dead and beloved are being invited to the wedding.
A sacred bath ceremony very similar to the other Indian matrimonial rituals is the 'Nahn'. The bride and the groom are thereafter, adorned in their matrimonial clothes. The clothes to be worn are very typical of the Parsi community. These consist of the white dugli (coat), white trousers with a pagri (cap) for the groom and are known as the jamapichori. The bride wears a white sari. The bride's face is veiled by the mathubanu. Kumkum (vermilion) is applied onto their foreheads while the mothers of both perform the 'Achoo Meehu' (an aarti).
The groom is expected to reach the matrimonial venue before the bride. On the arrival of the bride the couple is made to sit separated by a white cloth, which serves the purpose of a curtain. The couple is then given the last chance of refusing this matrimonial alliance, by the priest, as two witnesses from each side stand on either side.
Once consent is given for the matrimonial alliance to proceed, the Parsi community observes the ritual of 'Haathevaro' where the right hands of the couple are joined by a white thread. A dhaga is also tied around the couple, to enclose them in a circle that symbolises unity in Parsi matrimonial. The priest blesses the couple and asks for the witnesses consent. This is the most important and religious part of the matrimonial ceremony where the marriage vows are taken. Ashirvaad (blessings) is then given to the newly weds and the 'Tan-Dorosti' prayer is recited. The Parsi, recite the 'Tan-Dorosti' for good health. The couple is then showered by rose petals and rice. Matrimonial rings are exchanged thus making official the matrimonial alliance. The Parsi Wedding ceremony must be performed in the company of an assembly or Anjuman. 'Parsi Bhonu' is now served. This traditional food is served on banana leaves. No meat is served. However, the feast is not complete without fish. Sweets are also compulsorily served.
After the matrimonial feast, the bride leaves for her husband's house amidst bridal songs in a ceremonial send off. As the bridal couple leaves, the venue, for the house, their long jamas are tied to each other and 'Cheda Chedi' begins. 'Eki Beki' is also another very lighthearted tradition of the Parsi community and is filled with teasing songs.
According to the Parsi Marriage rituals, they perform the 'Varona' (a post - matrimonial ceremony), on the eighth day of the wedding. This ritual involves collection of all the items, coconuts and garlands used for the 'Mandav Saro' and immersing them into the sea. After this, the girl is allowed to visit her parent's home for the first time after the matrimonial alliance. The same evening the jamai (son-in-law), his parents, sisters and brothers are invited for dinner to the house.