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 […]
The essence of being a Zoroastrian is to live life to the fullest and celebrate life, every single day. Although not a practising Zoroastrian, Eleanor Roosevelt (U.S. First Lady, Diplomat and Human Rights Activist) came closest to this truth when she said: “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, […]
Doyen of Indian industry and noted philanthropists, Darius M Forbes passed away in the early hours of 11th August, 2023, at age 97. He was one of my mentors and instrumental in helping me carve out a successful and fulfilling carrier in the philanthropic sector. I was in my mid-twenties when he interviewed me for […]
Recently, we remembered our dear departed loved ones during the ten holy days of Muktad. We also ushered in the New Yazdazardi Saal on 16th August, 2023. And on 21st August, we will observe Khordadsaal. Mixed Feelings… On one hand it was good to see so many devout Parsis at the Agyari – morning and […]
For Parsi Zoroastrians across India and even globally, the quiet and quaint village of Udwada is what Mecca is to the Muslims or the Vatican to the Christians. But, was Udwada always this quiet? Was the Holy Atash Bahram Fire, that was first consecrated at Sanjan and today housed in a grand heritage building at […]
Did you know that it was ancient Iran (Persia or Pars), under the Achaemenian kings, which, more than two and a half millennia ago, gave to this world its first Bill of Human Rights, the world’s first international highway, prototype to the Suez Canal, postal system and even the document that we know today as […]
As per the Zoroastrian Shahenshahi calendar we are now observing the twelfth and last month of the year namely Aspandarmad / Spendarmad. In fact, tomorrow (Sunday, 16th July 2023) marks the Parab of Aspandarmad (Roj Aspandarmad, Mah Aspandarmad). Since this holy month is dedicated to Spenta Armaity – the Divinity that presides over Mother Earth, […]
The twenty-second Law Commission of India (June 14, 2023) has sought the views of religious organisations and the public, on the issue of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This is despite the twenty-first Law Commission of India (August 2018) making it clear in that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), “is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage.” […]
Recently a Parsi Times reader, whose mother has been ailing, called to inquire about ‘Afshun-e-Shah Faridoon’. He also wanted to know the prayers which he and his mother could recite, to bring about healing. The Persian term, ‘Afshun’ or ‘Afsoon’, means a charm or a spell, which we more commonly refer to as Nirang, and […]
The community ushered the holy month of Bahman on 12th June, 2023 with much enthusiasm. It’s the time of the year to enjoy Khichdi (rice cooked with ghee and lentils) along with Bafenu (ripe mango pickle), Khichdi paired with gor amli nu doru (sweet and tangy sauce made with tamarind and jaggery), makeover from butter […]
We often talk about our Holy Avesta Scriptures. However, what exactly are these scriptures? How many are extant and how many have been lost over the vicissitudes of time? Twenty-one volumes of Avesta: It is believed that there were originally twenty-one Nasks or volumes of the Avesta from the time of Asho Zarathushtra, which […]