History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

148 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. III.

is observed from the 16th to the 20th day of the tenth month Deh.

The sixth and last of the Gahambar festivals, called Hamaspathmadin (winter farewell), consists of the five days after the end of the year of three hundred and sixty days, thus making up three hundred and sixty-five days of the year. These days are called Gathas, from the five Gathas of the “Yasna,” and they are observed with great respect and sanctity. The Parsis recite the Gathas or sacred songs, as man was created during this period. The priests also are employed to pray for the souls of the departed.

Atash-Behram-Salgari or Srosh Roz.—The sons of the late Hormasji Bamanji Wadia built a large firetemple in honour of their deceased father in Bombay, and the 17th day of the second month is the anniversary of the imauguration of this Atash-Behram. On this day the “dastur” or high priest performs the Jasan ceremony in the presence of Parsis, who assemble in large numbers in the fire-temple, and a sermon is preached at the conclusion of the ceremony. The day is observed as a Parsi holiday, on which, after their prayers, they enjoy themselves. The Parsi ladies also go to the fire-temple in their rich holiday attire and join with their relatives and friends in keeping this anniversary as a day of rejoicing.

The Jamshedi Naoroz.—This festival derives its name from King Jamshid of the Peshdadian dynasty,