A Parsi Times reader recently asked whether the Vendidad is a philosophical poem like the Gatha or prose enshrining an ancient ‘Zoroastrian Penal Code?’ He also wanted to know if it was simply a textual commentary or a sacred religious ritual? Finally, he was curious about why it is performed after midnight and considered as […]
Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life. In our exclusive column, […]
Community members in Surat gathered in large numbers on 28thJanuary, 2026, to celebrate the salgreh of the revered Bagh-e-ParsaAdarian Saheb, established in 1896. The sacred premises welcomed devotees for morning prayers, creating an atmosphere of faith and community bonding. High Priest Vada Dastoorji Cyrus Dastoorji led a solemn Jashan ceremony in the morning, attended by […]
If ye will only know and learn these Laws, Which Mazda hath ordained for ye, O men, The Laws of happiness, the Laws of pain, That falsehood hinders progress, That Truth leads on to a fuller higher life, Upon all such the Light Divine shall dawn. (Yasna 30:11) According to Zoroastrian theology, death involves the […]
Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire […]
Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire […]
Dear Readers, One of our community’s greatest strengths has been our ability to evolve without losing our essence. Across centuries and continents, we have thrived by adapting to changing times, while staying rooted in faith and tradition. Today, we stand at another crossroads… it’s time to embrace thoughtful change yet again, one that ensures our […]
The Poona Kadmi and Shahenshahi Dar-e-Meher, fondly known as ‘Komda Ni Agiary’, celebrated its magnificent 132nd salgreh, on 16th September, 2025, with devotion and community spirit. The day began with a Jashan ceremony in the morning led by the Panthaki Saheb and other devoted Mobeds, followed by an evening Machi and celebrations that brought the […]
A Parsi Times reader asked why we have swords, spears and maces adorning the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of an Atash Bahram. He wondered whether this tradition of keeping weapons evolved after the Arab invasion of Iran when fire temples were desecrated by the invading marauders? Were these weapons kept at places of worship […]
The New Year was welcomed by Parsis observing the Shahanshahi calendar with much gusto on 15th August 2025. Every New Year serves as a religious and cultural indicator providing us with a natural opportunity for celebrating new beginnings, reflecting on past experiences and reviewing the lessons learned. It also gives us an opportunity to consider future-oriented resolutions for self-improvement and […]