Adil J. Govadia History generally is defined as the ‘collective memories of a society’. The history of Parsi-Zoroastrians India is often debated. The narrative of the preservation of their religious identity as also the courageous voyage from Iran to India, is recognized and recorded… like the historical footprints of India’s early Parsi-Zoroastrian settlers, those little […]
Category: Special
CNMS Issues Commemorative Postal Stamp Honouring Ratan Tata
– Also Announces ‘Ratan Tata Scholarships For Young Authors’ Documenting His Legacy – The Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS) has shared that it has been granted personalized ‘My Stamps’ by the Department of Posts, Daak Bhawan, New Delhi, to honor the extraordinary legacy of visionary industrialist, nation builder and philanthropist – Ratan Tata. These […]
Parsi Adventurists Take On Mystique Himalayan Drive 2024
In a remarkable and exciting blend of camaraderie and behind-the-wheel adventures, 18 Parsis from Mumbai, Navsari and Dubai, participated in a unique automobile pilgrimage: ‘The Mystique Himalayan Drive 2024’, travelling through the enchanting landscapes of Sikkim and Bhutan. Belonging to diverse fields including architecture, engineering, transport and logistics, automotives, medicine, law, stocks, aviation and hospitality, […]
Significance Of The Cross In Diverse Cultures – II
Swastika – The Bent Cross The swastika is India’s version of one of humanity’s most enduring, ancient symbols. The oldest known use of this symbol dates back to the end of the last Ice Age. A figurine carved with a recognizable armed plus sign dating to 10,000-13,000 BCE was found in Ukraine. How the ancient […]
Significance Of The Cross In Diverse Cultures – I
The Cross Necropolis of Iran is Naqsh-e-Rustam. Another local name by which Naqsh-e-Rustam is known is ‘Salib’ (Arabic for cross). This ancient historical site in Fars province, Southern Iran, features four tombs of Achaemenid kings. The rock-cut tombs (Astodan), hewn into a cliff face, are believed to belong to Darius the Great and his successors, […]
An Intriguing History Of Parsi Settlement In Madras
In 1791-92, after Tipu Sultan’s invasion of Malabar region, Seth Hirjee Manekji Kharas first arrived in Tellicherry to explore business opportunities. He purchased a piece of land named ‘Pimole Mala’, renamed ‘Parsi Kannu’, on which was built a Parsi Aaramgah. Later, in 1797, Seth Bomanji Ratanji Captain built a Prayer Hall on the same premises […]
Is Adoption Legal Among Parsis In India?
Adoption is not legal among Parsis in India. If a Parsi individual desires to adopt a child, the latter would not legally be considered ‘as if born to’ the adoptive individual or couple. Though the 2006 amendment of the Juvenile Justice Act 2000, now defines ‘Adoption’ under section 2(aa) to mean, “the process through which […]
Dussehra – Day To Burn Anger And Arrogance
Today, 12th October 2024 is Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festivities include burning effigies of the ten-headed demon king – Ravana every year, with hundreds collecting the still-smoldering remnants of the burnt effigy, believing this souvenir will protect them from various evils and misfortune. Though Ravana was very knowledgeable and […]
Wine As Medicine And Religious Sacrament
Wine and alcohol have been used as medicine since ancient times, and some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption may have health benefits. Sir Winston Churchill was a devoted fan of champagne, and his favorites included Pol Roger and Moet et Chandon. He once famously said, “I cannot live without Champagne. In victory, I deserve […]
Ancient Iran’s Rosetta Stone
The Egyptian Rosetta Stone is one of the world’s best-known archaeological artifacts, viewed by millions of visitors annually at the British Museum. The Stone is a broken part of a bigger stone slab, with a carved message, inscribed in three types of lettering. It was an important clue that helped experts learn to read Egyptian […]
Humble Mobeds Of Rare Brilliance: Unsung Leaders Of Parsi Community – III
Parsi Times presents a 4-part series by Adil J. Govadia, which honours and celebrates our humble Mobeds – our religious heads, who played a crucial role in preserving our Community’s religious and ethnic identity, while keeping aflame our sacred fires, in our temples and in our hearts. There are several virtuous Zoroastrian priests within the […]