On going through the letter "Year of the Rooster" (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, April 21, 2017), I am inspired to add something more in this connection.
Among Parsis there is a ban on cutting, cooking and eating the margho (rooster) once it starts crowing. Its crowing at dawn signifies its association with Srosh Yazad and the ability to awaken people to pursue their duties for the day.
It is expected that kind-hearted Parsis will not kill useful birds like the rooster as also the kite, crow and vulture in particular that help our community in disposing of dead bodies. Likewise a dog may be considered a doctor without a degree, for when it is taken to an inanimate body, with its natural instinct it can indicate whether there are signs of life. All such creatures should be saved, preserved and nurtured for the betterment of our religion.
P. M. TAMBOLI
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