Today, 11th July, 2026, is Roj Hormazd of Mah Aspandarmad or Spendarmad, according to the Zoroastrian Shehenshahi calendar. Aspandarmad is the twelfth and last month of the Zoroastrian calendar, dedicated to Spenta Armaiti – the feminine Divinity that presides over Mother Earth. ‘Spenta’ has been variously translated as increasing, growing, good, holy and benevolent; while […]
– Anahita Desai, Hoshang Jal & Adil Malia A Decision That Will Affect Generations – Please Read Before You Decide Dear Fellow Humdeens, Over the past two weeks, many of you may have read BPP Chairman Viraf Mehta’s proposal to convert Leave & Licences to Tenancies in Dinshaw Mehta’s Parsi Junction. This proposal will permanently […]
Since centuries, Zoroastrians have worn the sacred cord (kusti) as an article of faith. However, handwoven, ritually blessed threads or cords have been worn across various cultures and religious traditions to ward off negative energy, promote well-being and make the wearer feel spiritually connected or protected. Sacred threads have been part of not just the […]
Mumbai’s famous Vachha Gandhi Agiary (est. 1858) was redolent with the fragrance of sandalwood and flowers on 20th June, 2026, as a Jashan was held to commemorate the completion of the renovation of the prayer hall, sponsored by the Master Foundation. Several leading community luminaries graced the auspicious occasion including the doyen of the Master […]
Dear Readers, There’s something rather reassuring about institutions that outlive generations. Even as the community’s only bank – The Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank Ltd. – celebrates nearly a century of service, it gives us much reason to reflect with pride and gratitude on an extraordinary legacy. Founded on 17th June, 1927, by Sir Hormusjee Cawasjee Dinshaw […]
We often simplify our Zoroastrian religion as one that’s based on ‘Humata, Hukhata, Huvarshta’ – the three Avestan words which encapsulate the tri-ethical goals: ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds’. Daily, during the Kusti ritual when reciting the Jasa-me avanghe Mazda prayer, we affirm: “āstuye humatem mano, āstuye hukhtem vacho, āstuye huvarshtem shyaothnem”, meaning: […]
WZO (India) held a Dae Mahino Jashan, on 6th June, 2026, at Cama Baug, drawing in a house-full of community members who enjoyed an evening of devotion, entertainment and exceptional cuisine in air-conditioned comfort. The event commenced with a Jashan led by Dasturji Kaikhushru Ravji Meherjirana, the 18th generation direct descendant of the legendary Dasturji […]
Residents of Hyderabad’s historic Shapoor Baug came together on 7th June, 2026, to observe the sacred Dae Mahino Jashan, at the Bai Maneckbai N. Chinoy Agiyari. All ten resident families participated in the ceremony, joined by trustees Rustom S. Plumber and Er. Kerfegar B. Antia. The Jashan was led by Head Priest Er. Burzin S. […]
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and the ParZor Foundation, is organising an Online, Short-term Certificate Course titled: ‘The Parsi Presence: Migration, Integration, Innovation’. The programme will explore Parsi history, culture, heritage, migration, identity, demographic challenges […]
In a fitting tribute to Karachi’s pioneering builder and civil engineer, the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS), Pakistan’s premier institution for art and design, inaugurated a studio in the Department of Architecture in honour of Dinsha Hormusjee Daruvala (1888-1976), on 25th May, 2026. The dedication was led by his daughter, Meher Kabraji, […]
A rare archival exhibition titled ‘Sparseeing’ is on display at Mumbai’s Cymroza Art Gallery, transforming the space into a vivid exploration of family memory and micro-histories. Presented in collaboration with the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, and supported by the Tata Trusts and Seminar Lab Gallery, the project brings to light a forgotten 1935 photo […]