Recently, a Parsi Zoroastrian lady passed away in Mumbai and as per her wish and long-standing instructions to her family members, her mortal remains were donated to a medical college in Mumbai for medical research. In other words, the mortal remains were neither buried, nor cremated, nor consigned to the dokhma. There was a question […]
Dear Readers, I thank you all, on behalf of Team PT, for your encouraging feedback on our Parsi New Year Special Issue. It brings us as much joy, as it provides direction for our onward journey and services for the community. We hope the New Year has started on a positive note and will continue […]
Pateti (the fifth and last Gatha day for repentance) and Navruz (New Year’s Day) as per the Shehenshahi calendar are over and Fravardin, the first month of the Zoroastrian calendar has commenced. It is appropriate that the first month of the calendar is dedicated to the Fravashi or Fravahar – the prototype of all creation. […]
Whenever calamities strike, some prophets of doom start to rejoice: “This was prophesied centuries ago,” they claim with glee, adding, “This must happen so that there will be a new world order and the great redeemer will redeem this earth.” I was discussing the recent conflict between Iran and Israel with a few friends and […]
This year, the pre-spring festival of Vasant Panchami coincides with Valentine’s Day on 14th February, 2024. Vasant (meaning spring) Panchami (meaning fifth or the festival falling on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha), is considered an auspicious day to begin any new venture. In like manner, Zoroastrians, especially in Iran celebrated Jashn-e-Sadeh on 30th January, 2024, fifty days […]
Zoroastrians worship Ahura Mazda. But, what does the term ‘Ahura Mazda’ mean? Most scholars agree that Ahura Mazda is the Lord of Wisdom – a title or quality based on the interpretation of the Avesta term, ‘Ahu-Ra’, which means ‘existing one’ or simply ‘existence’ or (source of) ‘life.’ Since ‘Ahura’ is the very source of […]
We are currently observing the month of Amardad as per the Shahanshahi calendar. Amardad (Avesta Ameretat) represents Ahura Mazda’s quality of eternity. Amardad is also the seventh Amesha Spenta (Bounteous Immortal) presiding over vegetation. Green vegetation and freshness go hand in hand. There is an expression in the English language about ‘keeping the memory (especially […]
A few days ago I got into a discussion with a friend who asked me a simple yet very profound question. The question was pertaining to the Zoroastrian way of life and living and whether it is any different from what persons of other faiths and beliefs follow. I responded briefly and assured him that […]
15th October, 2023, (tomorrow), marks the first day (Roj Hormuzd) of the holy month of Khordad. The third month of the Zoroastrian calendar, Khordad ushers blessings of purity and perfection. Khordad or Avestan Haurvataat is an Amesha Spenta presiding over the purifying waters; it also embodies the quality of excellence and wholesomeness. Khordaad and Ameredaad (Avestan Haurvataat and Ameretaat) are twin concepts representing the goal […]
Sunday, 17th September, 2023, will be observed as the Parab of Ardibehesht. Ardibehesht – the second month of the Zoroastrian calendar – celebrates Divine Truth, Righteous or Divine Order and Healing. Ardibehesht is an Amshaspand (Archangel) or Amesha Spenta (Bounteous Immortal) that presides over the energy of fire. Adar Yazad is a Hamkara or helper of Ardibehesht. This is why many fire temples were consecrated in this […]
Fravardin, the first month of the Zoroastrian calendar is aptly dedicated to the Fravashi or Farohar, which is the prototype of all creation. 3rd September, 2023 marks the Parab (when the Roj and Mah coincide) of Fravardin. Parab of Fravardin: Roj Fravardin of Mah Fravardin marks the day when devout Zoroastrians head for the Dokhma or Aramgah, to offer prayers to the Fravashi of their dearly departed. One could […]