Gahambars
There are large numbers of festivals celebrated by Zoroastrian. Gahambars are the most auspicious occasion out of all. Gahambars refer to number of festivals in a Parsi year. Sky, earth, water, cattle, plants and man are considered revered by Zoroastrians. This respect to these elements of creation is shown by observing Gahambars. There are six Gahambars in a year. All of these Gahambars are celebrated for five days.
These Gahambars convey the message of peace and harmony. Another significance of these festivals is to remind Parsis to remain attached to their traditions and good deed.
Importance of gahambars :
Gahambars are the festivals which are based on the good deeds. There are seven acts of goodness which a true Parsi must follow. These seven acts include being charitable, being truthful, celebrating the Gahambars, worshipping God, wishing everyone’s well, observing three day ceremony after death and building shelter for poor.
Background of Gahambars :
Gahambars were harvest festivals initially. After King Jamshed celebrated it, it became an important community feast related to the religion.
Celebration of Gahambars :
Each Gahambar celebration lasts for 5 days. Liturgical services are offered on first four days and communal get together are arranged on fifth day. There is benediction ceremony, known as Afrin, which is comprised of prayers of love and praise of ancestors.
Yaztas or angels and fravashis are prayed by Baj prayers. Then main Parsi rite, Yasna is performed. Priests and devotees pray together in last custom of social service, called Pavi.
Fifth day is reserved for solemn feast where anyone can donate or serve.
Gahambars are the occasions to get together and feasting. Traditional delicacies are prepared together. These dishes include fresh and dried fruits.
Different Gahambars:
There are six Gahambars in a year which are as follows:
Maidyozarem (Mid-spring feast) -- Apr 30 to May4.
Maidyoshem (Mid-summer feast) -- Jun 29 - Jul 3
Paitishem (feast of bringing in the Harvest) – Sep 12—Sep 16
Ayathrem (feast during Herding time) - Oct 12 –Oct 16
Maidyarem (Mid-winter feast) - Dec 31 – Jan 4
Hamaspathmaidyem (feast of all souls) – Mar 16 – Mar 20
