Dr. Mehraban Puladi, President of the Anjoman-e-Mobedan, the highest religious authority for Zoroastrians in Iran, paid a visit to the holy Bhikha Behram Well in Mumbai, on 16th December, 2024, as part of his religious and cultural tour where he will visit Zoroastrian religious sites in India. Accompanying him was Saloumeh Gholami, Professor of Zoroastrian […]
On the 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mohammed Rafi, inarguably one of India’s greatest singers, Hoshang K Katrak pays a tribute to the celebrated singer and explores his enigmatic relationship with the father-son composer duo – Sachin Dev Burman and Rahul. As the nation celebrates the maestro’s 100th birth anniversary on 24th December, my thoughts […]
Having proven her winning proficiency as a veteran marathoner and sprinter, Khurshid Mistry recently dove into the swimming arena, and not surprisingly, has been tasting much victory here as well!! Having bagged an impressive three gold medals in her age category, at the ‘National Masters Swimming Championship, 2024’, organized by the Nashik District Aquatic Association, […]
Today, 21st December, 2024, marks the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere. The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere of the globe. Today marks mid-winter as also the shortest day and […]
Globally renowned scholar of Avestan language, Fellow of the British Academy and a Zartoshty Brothers Professor of Zoroastrianism at SOAS, University of London, Dr. Almut Hintze recently visited Mumbai and shared her views on different aspects of her field of study, on two occasions in the city – at the Royal Yacht Club on 29th […]
– From Tardeo To Udwada – On 7th December, 2024, 51-year-old Viraf Randeria embarked on an extraordinary and unforgettable divine quest with his nephew, 25-year-old Kaiwan Randeria – a 200 km walk from Tardeo (South Mumbai) to the most holy, Pak Iranshah Atashbehram in Udwada, Gujarat. “It took us 5 days to complete, and every […]
Within a radius of 150 sq. kms of Belgaum (Karnataka), there are six Parsi Aaramgahs and two fully functional Dar-e-Mehrs with residential quarters for priests and sprawling open spaces and gardens. In the early 20th century, the townships of Hubli, Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Gulbarga and Bijapur had a good Parsi population, with an Aaramgah in […]
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, […]
We are currently observing the month of Amardad as per the Zoroastrian Shahanshahi calendar. Amardad (Avesta Ameretat) represents Ahura Mazda’s quality of eternity. Amardad is also the seventh Amesha Spenta (Bounteous Immortal) presiding over vegetation. The Hamkara or co-workers of Amardad are Rashe, Ashtad and Zamyad. Rashne (Avesta Rashnu) is invoked as Raast or truthful, and along with Ashtad (Avesta Arshtat), […]
The Dadar Athornan Institute (DAI) celebrated its much-anticipated Annual Day, on 8th December, 2024, at the Institute’s M Joshi Hall, which was packed to capacity with family members of the boys studying here and well-wishers from the community. Gracing the occasion were President of the Athornan Mandal, Vada Dastoorji Khurshed Kekobad Dastoor; Guest of Honour […]
On 27th November, 2024, the Zoroastrian community worldwide lost a true friend, well-wisher and philanthropist. Although he lived in the USA, his heart was always in India and his soul resided in Iran. He used to visit India periodically usually during the cooler winter months and meet his old friends and relatives. He would also stay […]