All that we know today about Asho Zarathushtra – be it as a Divine Messenger (Paigambar), an original thinker and philosopher, an accomplished astronomer, or as a mystic poet – appears to be based on oral tradition and folklore. What was finally committed to writing about his life was centuries after his birth, during the […]
In the pantheon of Zoroastrian Divinities, Bahman Ameshaspand (Avesta Vohu Mana) ranks next to Ahura Mazda. Bahman, an Amshaspand or Amesha Spenta (translated as Bountiful Immortal or Arch Angel), is doctrinally regarded as guardian of one of Ahura Mazda’s good creations, namely Animals – particularly Goshpand like cow, goat, sheep etc. This is why devout […]
For Zoroastrians, the desert province of ‘Yazd’ (meaning God), located between two great deserts – Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, holds tremendous significance. From my very first time visit in 1995 to my recent visit this year, I remain amazed at how such an unforgiving arid desert can exude so much spiritual energy. The narrow […]
Having recently spent two wonderful weeks in Iran, I asked myself what I felt most attracted to, or connected with, in the land of our Zoroastrian ancestors. The answer, clearly, was the majestic mountain ranges, starting with the Alborz in the North and the Zagros in the South. There’s something amazingly vibrant about them – […]
Audentes Fortuna iuvat (Latin for ‘fortune favours the brave’) aptly sums up the collective sentiment of fifty-one fellow Zoroastrians, who travelled on the wings of faith and determination, with SVG (Social Voluntary Group), to Iran, from 10th to 24th May, 2024. All fifty-one of us had a hearty laugh about the misplaced fears and apprehensions […]
After the invasion of Alexander and the fall of the mighty Achaemenian Empire, the Zoroastrian religion had a setback. The Greeks tried hard to Hellenize Iran and impose their beliefs and culture on the Iranian people. To some extent, they succeeded. However, some provinces like Pars continued to offer stiff resistance. Soon followed the rise […]
As per the Shehenshahi calendar, we are currently observing the holy Dae Mahino. This month is dedicated to the Supreme Divinity (Ahura Mazda), and therefore considered one of the most significant in the Zoroastrian calendar of twelve months. The term Ahura Mazda is translated as Ahura (Lord) and Mazda (Wisdom). More liberally translated, Ahura is ‘Creator’ (and therefore Lord or Master of all creations) […]
Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of the month of May and this year, 12th May will be observed as Mother’s Day. Mothers, across almost all species, are known to zealously protect and nourish their offspring. A Mother deserves all the adoration for offering unconditional love to her children, often putting the […]
5th May, 2024 (tomorrow) will be celebrated as ‘World Laughter Day’. It is an annual event celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about laughter and its many healing benefits, as well as about thousands of community groups worldwide who regularly practice laughter, which is known to promote wellness and overall well-being. World Laughter Day is celebrated […]
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 […]
Today, 20th April, 2024, is Roj Adar of Mah Adar. In other words, it is the Parab of Adar – the Divinity that presides over fire. Little wonder that Roj Adar of Mah Adar is the day when several Agyari and Atash Behram were consecrated and enthroned, including the Holiest of Holy, Iranshah! Consecration is an act or manner of making […]