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

152 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. (CHAP. II.

go to the fire-temples in hundreds to say their prayers. A fair is held in Bombay on the occasion, and the Parsis observe it as a holiday. They appear in public in their holiday attire, and rejoicings are continued tll late in the evening.

Behman Jasan.—This festival is held in honour of the spirit which rules over the animal Iinedom. It falls on the 2d day of the eleventh month, both of which have the same name Behman. During this month the Parsis feed stray animals, or those that are brought to their doors, with grass and other similar food. On this day the Parsis abstain from eating animal flesh.

This brings to a conclusion our summary of the

chief Parsi festivals.