Culture: Clothing

PARSIS

By VAIDAHI JAIN

The Parsis community, originally from Persia is known for its distinct and colorful tradition including unique clothing. Before migrating to India, Parsis were part of the Zoroastrian community in Persian. The history of Persian clothing can be traced back thousands of years, with the earliest evidence of weaving in Iran dating back to around 6,000 BC. The garments were made with luxurious materials such as silk and gold thread, and also with jewels and embroidery. Women wore long skirts, tunics, shawls, trousers, shawls and closed robes. They also wear headscarves which are made with fine fabrics. Men wore kurta with lungi and trousers. source 

India

India is a country with a diverse culture. Clothing of India is different from region to region, ethnicity, climate, tradition and festivals. India is diverse in terms of weaves, fiber, color and fabrics. On every festival different religions have different types of clothes. Basically women wear ghagra-choli and lehengas children wear pattu pavadai. Sarees were mainly made up of silk which is considered most elegant. Men’s wear dhoti-kurta which is more comfortable and easy to wear. In different states there are different traditional dresses and in some places both men and women have the same dresses. Many people    source

How did it change when they came to India?

In the 19th and 20th century the gara embroidery saris became popular with Parsis women, who adopted the Indian style saris and were modified by the Parsis women by draping the pallu (loose end of the saree). This embroidery was adopted and  locally produced by the Parsis. The brahmika saree, popularised by the Jnanadanandini Devi of the Brahmo Samaj was also inspired by the Parsis women sari. But the majority of Parsis adopted Indian dress. Various dresses of clothing, for women and girls were embroidered such as loose tunic (jubla), wide trouser (ijor) and round cap all were embroidered. Many Parsis families lived in Mumbai and the clothing was also majorly adapted there and local people also got much affected with these clothing ideas. After some time these clothing ideas were spread to China also and the Chinese traders became a feature of a Parsis women’s attire. For example red silk saree with white embroidery were worn by the Parsis women in weddings. Embroidered is done with flowers, leaves, birds, animals, people and scenes of bridges. The women would sew the borders onto their own saris with the hand. In the south the men basically wore the lungi with a kurta but after coming to India the lungi started wearing a shirt and blazer. Pant and shirts were widely accepted by the people in urban areas of our country and now they are worn as formal dress for men.

How are their cultural practices before coming to India? 

The Parsi people practice Zoroastrianism, where god is symbolized as fire. Parsis believed in one god called Ahura Mazda. Their religious practices include navjote, daily prayers people worship at fire temples, marriage, funerals, and mostly by practicing good thoughts. In the month of avan, Parsis pray at any other natural bodies - sea, river, pond and well. Fire was a very important element in their religion which symbolized the purity and the presence of god. There is the temple where fire is kept lit all the time. They read religious books called the Avesta, written in an ancient language called Avestan. These books contained prayers and teachings from their ancestors.   

How do Parsis cultural practices change after coming to India?

Parsis have adopted many cultural practices of India. For example, Parsis mainly spoke Persian, but then now adopted local language and habits, developing a unique form of Gujarati which they called Parsi-Gujarati. The migration of Parsis to India caused a lack of religious knowledge. They send people to Iran to learn the religious practices from Zoratarism in Iran. They also adjusted to Indian life by speaking Gujarati, eating local food, and blending with Indian culture. Parsi food is unique and delicious, also the mixture of both Parsis and Indian flavor. The food combines Persian spices with local Indian ingredients, creating a unique tradition. Cuisines such as dhansak, berry pulav, patra, raan and many more. The Parsi theater became a popular form of entertainment in Mumbai, which influenced Indian drama and performances of the local people. They introduced their religious practices to the people of India such as worship of fire in Atash Behrams (fire temples). The fire temples were basically found in cities like Mumbai and Pune, and served as the center of Parsi social and community life. They have made their contribution to Indian society in various fields such as from industry and education to the arts and social welfare of the people.  Parsi culture remains a vibrant part of the Indian diverse cultural landscape. While Parsis continue to follow their traditions, younger generations are adapting to modern lifestyles. Many Parsi youth live in cities like Mumbai and are more connected to global cultures.

References 

 

Palsetia, Jesse S. The Parsis of India: Preservation of identity in Bombay city. Vol. 17. Brill, 2001.

HISTORY OF CLOTHING IN COLONIAL INDIA.” INDIAN CULTURE, http://indianculture.gov.in/timeless-trends/history-clothing-colonial-india. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

LYNTON, Linda (1995). The Sari: Styles, Patterns, History, Techniques, London: Thames and Hudso

Willem. Parsi Embroidery (India). https://trc-leiden.nl/trc-needles/regional-traditions/indian-subcontinent/parsi-embroidery-india. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

“Parsi People | History, Culture & Religion.” Study.Com, https://study.com/academy/lesson/parsi-history-religion-facts-people.html. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

“Zarathustra’s Children: Religion & Rituals of the Parsis.” Google Arts & Culture, https://artsandculture.google.com/story/zarathustra-s-children-religion-rituals-of-the-parsis/1wXRg-lT5RUA8A. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Parsi | Religion, History, & Facts | Britannica. 10 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parsi.