The processions are normally in complete silence. This is to avoid breaking the power of prayers read to Soroush. Once entering the dakhma the rest of the prayers will be recited in Avestan. The language is assumed to ward off evil spirits. Candles or oil lamps will be lit for three days next to the dead body.
Special foods are prepared and no meat is consumed during the first three days.
Other minor rituals are performed during the first thirty days. The next major ones are on the thirtieth of the month, siroza and one-year after, sal . In between the two roza , recitals of the Farvardin Yasht, the Hymn to All Souls is performed on a regular basis. Crying and other extreme expressions of sorrow are not normally practiced by the traditionalists. Muslim conquest of Iran introduced many changes.