The holy Muktaad or Fravardegan days are the last ten days of the Zoroastrian calendar and are of great significance in every pious Zoroastrian’s life. On August 17, 2018, it will be the first day (Roj Hormuzd) of the first month (Mah Fravardin) of the Shehanshai calendar corresponding to the year, 1388 Yezdazirdi (YZ).

 

The Zoroastrian Calendar

The Zoroastrian calendar dates back to the coronation of the last Zoroastrian King (Yezdagird III) of Zoroastrian (Sasanian dynasty) Iran. Thus Saal (year) 1388 YZ commemorates coronation of the last Zoroastrian King of Zoroastrian Iran one thousand three hundred and eighty eight years ago. Contrary to belief in some quarters, 1388 YZ has nothing to do with the arrival of the Parsis in India which probably happened around the end of the ninth century AD or the tenth century AD (roughly three centuries after the fall of the Sasanian empire). The Zoroastrian calendar is a simple yet meaningful, calendar. Each month of the Zoroastrian calendar comprises 30 days and each day is dedicated to a divinity, which presides over Ahura Mazda’s good creation. The 12 months of the Zoroastrian calendar are also dedicated to different divinities that preside over a good creation. Thus, we have 12 months multiplied by 30 days, giving us a calendar of 360 days, to which are added the 5 days of the Gatha at the end of the year, aggregating 365 days. Since Parsis do not add a leap year, the Parsi New Year slips by a day, every four years.

 

Intercalation

The Zoroastrian tradition in ancient Iran was to add a whole month of 30 days, every 120 years, to keep the calendar in sync with Nature and the seasons. The Zoroastrians of Iran discontinued this tradition after the fall of the Sasanian Empire and even the Parsis who came to India intercalated a month only once after their arrival in India. This explains the difference of one month between the Kadim or Kadmi (ancient) calendar followed by some Iranian Zoroastrians and Parsis of Gujarat and the Shehanshai (Imperial) calendar, followed by a majority of Parsis in India.

 

The Ten Fraverdegan Days

The last ten days of the Zoroastrian calendar (i.e., Roj Astad to Aneran and the five days of the Gatha) are considered to be very holy, as doctrinally it is believed that during this period, the fravashis of the righteous dead, come down from their spiritual world into this material world and bless all those who remember and pray for them.

 

The five ‘Gatha’ days are as follows:

1.Ahunavad (possessing Ahunavar or the energy with which Ahura Mazda created this universe;

2’Ushtavad (possessing Divine Happiness)

3.Spentomad (possessing Piety / Devotion)

4.Vohu Khshtra (possessing good Spiritual Power)

5.Wahishtoish (possessing best Spiritual Riches)

 

The Gatha (song) are believed to be the ‘Word’ or the ‘Will’ of Ahura Mazda received by Asho (Holy/Righteous) Zarathushtra by way of a Divine Revelation. Little wonder Yasna 55.2 says, “The Gatha are the Lords of our souls, protectors and providers of spiritual food and clothing.” Not remembering the Gatha is a Tanapuhr sin, according to the Nirangistan. Liberally interpreted, it means not following the Will of Ahura Mazda is a sin. The concept of sin in the Zoroastrian tradition is moving away from whatever is true or right or pure.

 

Practice Purity

The Gatha do not speak about Humata, Hukata and Huvrashta (Good thoughts, good words and good deeds) but, they speak or sing about Asha which is about Truth, about Divine Law and Order, about Righteous Conduct and about Purity and it is this purity which must first originate in the mind with good or right thoughts, followed by good or right words which ultimately must translate into good or right actions or deeds.

 

What Is Farohar Or Fravashi?

The fravashi or farohar is the Divine essence, which is wholly pure and good. It is not to be confused with the ruwan or soul. The Avestan word fravashi comes from the word Fra (to take forward) and vaksh (to grow). In other words, Fravashi is that spiritual essence or power that takes every good creation of Ahura Mazda forward and helps it to grow. Fravashi is also a prototype, which is believed to have existed before the material creation. Even Ahura Mazda and His Divine Energies, the Amesha Spenta and the Yazata, are said to be having their own fravashi. Plants, animals, mountains and rivers also have their own fravashi. They are guardian spirits of the souls of the dead and protect and guide The souls of the living

as well.

 

Being Thoughtful:

During the fraverdegan days, Zoroastrians offer special prayers for the fravashis of their near and dear ones. The Rivayats recommend 6 important religious duties for a Zoroastrian, two of which include “observing the Gahambar and remembering the fravashis of the departed on the Fravardegan days.” Two other duties include Raasti (truthfulness/righteousness) and Raadhi (charity). And, charity here is not just about giving food, shelter, clothing or money. What is of prime importance is being charitable in thought or what we commonly refer to as being thoughtful – thoughtful to the feelings of others, thoughtful about the well-being of others and generally being charitable in thought, word or deeds.

Fight even your enemies with righteous conduct is what Zoroastrianism preaches. Do not harm others with negative thoughts or harsh words and let your deeds not cause any harm to yourself or to others.

 

OBSERVING THE MUKTAAD

The Muktaad or Fravardegan days essentially center around the family and until a few decades ago was observed largely at home. Today, with urbanization, small apartments and difficulty in observing ritual purity at home, the focus has shifted from the home to the fire temple. The Fravardegan days were holidays in the true sense of the word. Parsis would cut themselves away from worldly affairs and engage themselves in offering prayers, night and day. All houses would be cleaned, weeks in advance. Where possible, the walls would get a new coat of paint. Fire and incense would be kept burning, day and night, especially in that separate room where consecrated metal vases bearing clean well water and fresh flowers are kept on marble topped tables.

 

Flowers not only help keep the memory of a loved one green, but also create an atmosphere of peace, purity and love. With flowers, oil lamps, fire and the burning of incense, a virtual paradise is created on earth in honour of the visiting fravashis.

 

Purity

Parsis also observe cleanliness and purity at the highest level during these days. All staunch orthodox families abstain from cutting hair and nails as also shaving, since nails and hair are doctrinally seen as nasu (a pollutant). This is all very good, but, remember also to abstain from cutting off people be it in thought, word or deed. See it as a time to forgive yourself and forgive those who may have been unkind to you.

 

Specific Prayers

Traditionally, prayers should be offered in all the five Geh (Watches) of the day and during the first five days, the Fra Mraot (i.e., chapter 20 of the Yasna) should be chanted or 1,200 Ashem (a short 12 words’ prayer) should be offered.During the five Gatha days, the relevant Gatha may be chanted or 1,200 Yatha (a short 21 words’ prayer).It is also considered meritorious to offer acts of charity in the name of the departed and offer Patet (repentance) for the soul of a near and dear loved one.The last Gatha day is also known as Pateti (the day for offering Patet – repentance for sins of omission and commission for the year, which is to come to a close).The New Year or Navu Sal or Navroze (New Day) falls on the next day (i.e., Roj Hormuz, Mah Fravardin). This is the day of celebration, ushering in the New Year with much feasting and jubilation.

The Fravardin Yasht (13.14) states, “In that house in which clean and pure water and vegetation is placed, the holy fravashis agree to move about.”

 

Virtual Paradise

Even today, the Parsis observe the Fravardegan days all over the world with religious fervour and piety. Every Agiary is abuzz with activity and the soothing chants of the Avesta. A visit to the agiary on these days gives one a glimpse of Paradise on earth itself. But, try this year to make this world a living paradise. Start with your home, your work place, your neighborhood. Do pray, but, also practice what you pray. Let it not be said “Bhanya pan ganya nahi” (educated but not wise or prayerful but not pious)!

Muktaad is about mukt atma (free spirit). Propitiate the righteous fravashis, but, also liberate your own spirit. Liberate your spirit from negative thoughts, harsh words and hurtful deeds. Today, us Parsis talk about defending the religion and even being ready to die for our religion. However, the religion of Zarathushtra is too buland (strong) to require defense from mere mortals. Don’t talk about dying for the religion. Talk instead about living the religion. Live the message of Zarathushtra in thought, word and deed!