Offering of fuel or fragrance to fire is a widespread religious practice in many religious traditions across the world. Offering fragrant firewood or incense to the fire is an act of purification and transformation linking one’s senses to the Divine and fire acting as a mediator that carries offerings upward. However, in many ancient traditions, […]
This year’s Navroz celebration by the Zoroastrian Association of California was a vibrant and well-attended affair, bringing together over 320 community members, including guests from outside the region. The evening reflected a strong sense of unity and engagement. Gratitude was extended to an anonymous donor for generously sponsoring the event. Planned and organised by President […]
Over 200 community members of Navsari gathered at the banks of the Lok Mata Purna river last week to observe the Avan Yazad Parabh with devotion and tradition. The annual ritual saw devotees offering coconuts, flowers and sugar, along with prayers seeking fertility and prosperity. A Jashan ceremony was performed, reflecting our community’s deep-rooted reverence […]
Residents of the Bai Maneckbai Chenoy Agiary complex in Hyderabad came together to celebrate Jamshedi Navroze and Avan Yazad Parab with devotion and community spirit. On 20th March, a beautifully arranged Haft-Seen table was set up at the Agiary hall, marking the advent of spring. Each of the 40 families contributed an item, ensuring wholehearted […]
PT Reporter Khushroo P Mehta On the auspicious occasion of Ava Mahino Parab (Ava Mahino, Ava Roj), 22nd March, 2026, which honours the birthday of guardian deity of waters – Ava Ardvisur Banu (Anahita), Parsis gather around in prayer across different sources of water, with offerings of coconuts, flowers, Dal Ni Poli, in gratitude. Thane’s […]
A Field Study of One of Nature’s Most Powerful Species -By Aryaan Mehta For centuries, naturalists have studied many remarkable creatures. The Bengal tiger. The Himalayan snow leopard. The blue whale… Yet none command quite the same level of authority as the ‘Parsi Saasu’ or Parsi mother-in-law. This formidable species is found across Mumbai, Navsari, […]
Balancing Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Space at Home – By Farah H. Kasad Jamshedji Navroze marks the beginning of a new year, a time of renewal, hope and conscious living. Rooted in the wisdom of King Jamshed, this sacred day reminds us that true prosperity arises when human life lives in harmony with nature. […]
Dear Readers, Jamshedi Navroz is a time of celebration, renewal and hope. As Parsis in India, we observe this occasion with deep gratitude for the land that welcomed our forefathers centuries ago and allowed our community to flourish in peace and dignity. India has given us the freedom to practise our faith, preserve our traditions […]
-By Sherry M. Cama Every Parsi baug has that one family where the volume level is slightly higher, the opinions are stronger and the neighbours remain permanently entertained. In one such colony, that honour belongs to the illustrious Noshirwan family. Now, from the outside, the Noshirwans appear perfectly respectable. Their doorbell plays an enthusiastic version […]
Dear Readers, Happy Valentine’s Day to a community that has always believed in love, even if we tend to express it through extra servings of dhansak and unsolicited advice. For a minuscule community like ours, love carries a responsibility far greater than flowers, gifts or candlelight dinners… it is the invisible thread that sustains our […]
As the New Year unfolds, bringing with it a season of celebration, renewal and auspicious beginnings, many Parsi women once again reach for their treasured Garas. Be it weddings, Navjotes, festive jashans or family gatherings, the graceful drape of a Gara sari continues to lend these occasions an unmistakable elegance and cultural resonance. During this […]