Recently a Parsi Times reader, whose mother has been ailing, called to inquire about ‘Afshun-e-Shah Faridoon’. He also wanted to know the prayers which he and his mother could recite, to bring about healing. The Persian term, ‘Afshun’ or ‘Afsoon’, means a charm or a spell, which we more commonly refer to as Nirang, and […]
The community ushered the holy month of Bahman on 12th June, 2023 with much enthusiasm. It’s the time of the year to enjoy Khichdi (rice cooked with ghee and lentils) along with Bafenu (ripe mango pickle), Khichdi paired with gor amli nu doru (sweet and tangy sauce made with tamarind and jaggery), makeover from butter […]
We often talk about our Holy Avesta Scriptures. However, what exactly are these scriptures? How many are extant and how many have been lost over the vicissitudes of time? Twenty-one volumes of Avesta: It is believed that there were originally twenty-one Nasks or volumes of the Avesta from the time of Asho Zarathushtra, which […]
Today, 3rd June, 2023 – Roj Govad of Mah Dae (Shehenshahi calendar), is observed as ‘Homaji ni Ba. Performing Jashan ceremony on this day is considered meritorious. The Story Of Homaj: The story of Homaji is about the power of truth and the sacrifice made by a pious and innocent man who was falsely accused. It is a tragic […]
During the holy month of Dae, we perform Jashan ceremonies by way of thanks-giving at home, at the workplace as also at various community centers and places of worship. Since Dae is dedicated to Ahura Mazda – the Supreme Divinity and Creator, it is considered particularly meritorious to perform Jashan as a ritual form of […]
In recent times, we have unfortunately reduced Gahambar to a travesty. In not-so-distant history, we have been witness to so-called Gahambars hosted by individuals who had aspired to become Trustees of certain community institutions or by those who won the elections. There is also a variety known as the ‘fee no Gahambar,’ which is a […]
Today (13th May, 2023) is Roj Hormuzd of the Holy Month of Dae. Both, today’s Roj (day) and Mah (month) is dedicated to the Supreme Divinity (Ahura Mazda), and therefore considered one of the most auspicious days in the Zoroastrian calendar. The term Ahura Mazda is usually translated as Ahura (Lord) and Mazda (Wisdom). However, […]
Are Zoroastrians Fire-Worshippers? Is Fire the Son of Ahura Mazda? Query From Parsi Times reader, Adar Balsara: “My non-Parsi friends often say that Parsis are fire-worshippers and so my query is whether fire is simply a symbol of our religion or do we worship fire? My parents tell me that when praying the Atash Niyaesh […]
Observing The Five Gehs Query From Parsi Times reader, Adi Zaveri: After change of each of the five Gehs, for how many minutes should one wait before commencing prayers for the next Geh? Noshir Dadrawala responds: When praying during the day-time, one may allow about ten minutes to elapse after the change of […]
Organ Donation And Zoroastrianism Query From Parsi Times reader, Yasmin Patel: “I’ve been reading the Religious Questions column in Parsi Times with great interest and feel emboldened to ask whether our Zoroastrian scriptures permit or forbid organ donations. I was told that organ donation is strictly forbidden and in fact it is part of our […]
Euthanasia And Zoroastrianism Query From Parsi Times reader, Zarine Modi: “Does the Zoroastrian religion permit or support euthanasia? Can one leave written instructions for family and friends to follow, in case of painful terminal medical conditions?” Noshir Dadrawala Responds: The term ‘euthanasia’ is derived from the Greek word eu thanatos which means good death. Historian […]