Parsi Costumes
The Parsi community, hailing from Persia and now settled in India, exhibits a distinct cultural identity reflected in their costumes. Over time, the Parsis have embraced elements of local Indian attire while preserving certain traditional aspects. It is interesting to explore the evolution of Parsi costumes, highlighting the influence of Hindu fashion, the significance of ornaments, variations within the community, and the cultural importance of head coverings.

Parsi Costume in India
The Parsi costumes observed in modern India diverge from the traditional attire of their ancestors in Persia as well as their co-religionists in the home country. Upon their arrival in India, the Parsis established agreements with Hindu princes, which shaped their clothing choices. As a result, the resemblance between Parsi and Hindu garments, such as the `angrakha` or coat and turban for men and the `saree` for women, became apparent. This adaptation also took into account the suitability of the clothing for the Indian climate, ensuring comfort and practicality

Costume worn by Parsi Children
The attire for Parsi children up to the age of seven is simple yet charming. It consists of a loose shirt known as `jabhla,` made of cotton, flannel, or silk, extending from the neck to the knees. Both boys and girls wear the same garment, with the girls distinguished by their long hair and the addition of ornaments.

Costume worn by Parsi Men
Parsi men typically wear a long muslin shirt called `sudra` with a girdle or `kusti.` They pair this with loose cotton trousers, a waistcoat made of white cloth or chintz with sleeves, slippers, and a China silk skull-cap. When going outdoors, a Parsi man adds an `angrakha,` a loose coat without a belt, over the muslin shirt or waistcoat. The turban, often in a dark chocolate color with intricate floral patterns, serves as the head covering, worn on top of the skull-cap. Shoes or boots complete the ensemble.

The formal attire of a Parsi includes a `jama` and `pichori` made of white linen. The `jama` is a long double-breasted coat made of cotton, with the lower portion flowing in folds down to the ankles, reminiscent of an English lady`s gown. The `pichori` is a long cloth, about a yard wide and several yards in length, wrapped multiple times around the waist. This attire is primarily worn during funerals and wedding parties, while some Parsis reserve it for state occasions such as balls or receptions at Government House. However, many have also embraced a modified version of the English dress, consisting of a coat and trousers, for its convenience and aesthetics. Despite this adaptation, the turban remains a prominent feature, even though it offers limited protection from the sun and can be cumbersome.

Costume worn by Parsi Women Parsi women`s costumes deserve special attention for their intricate details and elegance. The saree, a traditional Indian garment, is widely favored by Parsi women. However, they add their own distinctive touch by incorporating vibrant colors, delicate embroidery, and exquisite embellishments. The saree is draped in a distinct Parsi style, often with a pallu (end piece) draped over the shoulder, showcasing the beauty of the fabric and intricate designs. Along with the saree, Parsi women adorn themselves with an array of accessories, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, and rings, made from precious metals and adorned with gemstones. These ornaments complement the attire and exemplify the Parsi women`s penchant for refined

Costumes of Kadmi Sect and Shehenshais
The attire of the Kadmi sect within the Parsi community closely resembles that of the Shehenshais. However, some priests of the Kadmi sect wear a unique garb, imitating the dress worn by their late high priest, Mulla Firoz, which bears resemblance to the attire of Turks or Armenians. Shehenshais priests, on the other hand, adopt the same costume as laymen, but their garments are made exclusively of white cotton cloth, including the turban.

Ornaments as part of Parsi Attire
The Parsi community, particularly the affluent classes, displays a fondness for ornaments. At a young age, girls have their ears pierced and wear rings made of thin gold wire. On special occasions and festivals, both men and women adorn themselves with vibrant-colored costumes and a variety of ornaments.

Aesthetics in Parsi Costume
In terms of appearance, Parsi men do not pale in comparison to other Indian natives. Those who have adopted European attire can even be mistaken for Europeans, especially if they have fair skin and well-built physiques. Despite the impact of early marriages and unions within close relations, which have somewhat diminished the stature of Parsis over time, they still maintain the dignified demeanor and resilience of their ancestors. The early Indian Parsis were often of above-average height, carrying themselves with a confident bearing. While this physical characteristic is less common today, the Parsi people continue to possess a unique presence.

Parsi women take pride in adorning their children with utmost care, ensuring that their ornaments and attire exhibit impeccable aesthetics. Even the most discerning critic would find it challenging to identify any aspect of Parsi ornamentation or dress that could be deemed in bad taste.

Significance of Head Coverings
In Parsi culture, head coverings hold great religious and cultural significance. Mathabana, a loose garment similar to a veil, was an essential part of women`s attire in Zoroastrianism. It served the purpose of concealing the hair, a practice intended to project simplicity and limits the display of feminine beauty out of modesty and respect for their culture. The tradition of head coverings was originally brought from Persia and persisted until around 50 years ago. Men, on the other hand, wore skull caps as part of their headwear. For both genders, an uncovered head was considered sinful and contrary to the tenets of their religion. The act of wearing Mathabana and skull caps represented religious beliefs and was also influenced by the customs of other religious communities in India, such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims.

Parsi costumes in modern India reflect a harmonious fusion of tradition and adaptation. While there are remnants of their Persian heritage, the Parsis have embraced elements of Indian ethnic fashion, aligning their garments with the culture of their adopted homeland. The community`s attire exhibits elegance, comfort, and practicality, with specific variations for different occasions and sects within the Parsi population.