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

CHAP, IV.] THE SUDRA INVESTITURE. 167

repeated : “Praise be to the Mazdayasnan religion, created by the holiness, the purity, and the wisdom of Ahura Mazda. The good, righteous, right religion which the Lord has sent to His creatures is that which Zoroaster has brought. The religion is the religion of Zoroaster, the religion of Ahura Mazda given to Zoroaster.”

After this the “dastur” removes the lmen sheet which had at first been wrapped round the child’s body and puts on in place thereof the “ sudra,” held up to that point in the child’s hands. The “ dastur” then passes the “kusti” round the child’s waist three

: . ois 6 S a 2? times, repeating the “kusti nirang,

as it is called, after which the infant is reseated on the stool, and the « dastur” delivers the “ hosbam,” a sort of sermon in praise of honesty, truth, and purity. This over, he pronounces blessings upon the candidate, throwing over his head the whole of a mixture composed of pieces of cocoa-nut, rice, and almonds. ‘The full ceremony occupies about an hour, and when it is concluded the head of the family gives presents of money to the “dastur” and the other priests according to their rank. After this the assembly disperses.

The boy or girl who has been thus initiated into the Zoroastrian religion is forthwith dressed in new and fine clothes, which are put on over the “sudra.” Friends and relatives then hasten to present their gifts in money or dresses to the child and its parents. All