(Parsi Times presents a 2-part series by Noshir Dadrawala on the life of our beloved Prophet Asho Zarathushtra, providing a more insightful understanding about His teachings and message for humanity.) Recently, I received a request from a Parsi Times reader to briefly narrate the story of Zarathushtra, summarizing His teachings, that she could share with […]
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 […]
Diwali is the five-day festival of light, celebrated by millions worldwide. The festival coincides with the Hindu New Year and thus also celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali also commemorates Lakshmi, the Divinity of wealth and prosperity. In fact, the 5-day festivity begins with Dhanteras (the day of good […]
19th October, 2024, (today) is Roj Khordad of Mah Khorda, marking the Parab of Khordad, which ushers in blessings of purity and perfection or wholeness/completeness in our lives. We are trained to strive for perfection since our childhood. Striving towards perfection has its merits. Improving our skills for example is beneficial. However, the pursuit of […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Often, I receive queries about whether it’s appropriate or not for a Zoroastrian to keep lucky charms, like ‘evil eye’ at home, in the car or at the office. For centuries, human beings have used lucky charms and talismans, hoping to draw fortune’s favour. In our opinion, events – good or bad, that happen in […]
Today, 14th September, 2024, is Roj Hormuzd of Mah Ardibehesht – literally and figuratively, the day dedicated to the Divine Creator and the Divine Order of the Created Universe. In the Avesta, Ardibehesht is referred to as Asha Vahishta. Asha is variously translated as Truth, Righteousness and Divine Order. Vahishta means ‘the Best’. Ardibehesht embodies Ahura Mazda’s Truth, Righteousness and the Divine Order, with which Ahura […]
Today, 7th September, 2024, is Ganesh Chaturthi, the day to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the Ruler of the People (Sanskrit Gana means people and Isha means ruler or lord). This 10-day annual festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada (6th month of the Hindu calendar). The […]
In philosophy, religion, and psychology, ‘good and evil’ is a common dichotomy. Elements that are commonly associated with evil include imbalanced human behaviour, selfishness, greed, ignorance and gross negligence. The principal study of good and evil (human morality) is based on ethics, of which there are three major branches – ‘Normative Ethics’ – concerning how […]