In Shakespeare’s ‘Othello,’ Emilia tells Othello, “It is the very error of the moon. She comes more nearer earth than she was wont. And makes men mad.” The idea that a full moon can stir up emotions, provoke inexplicable behaviour, and even cause physical illness isn’t just a literary figure of speech, it’s a strongly […]
At the Annual General Meeting of the Global Council of Zoroastrians Trust (GCZT) held in Mumbai on 2nd February 2025, I was requested to speak on the topic: ‘The Importance Of Giving.’ It was a relevant topic considering several factors. As a community, especially in India, we seem to have lost our ethos of giving, […]
‘Valentine Week’ has commenced since 7th February, observed as ‘Rose Day’ and will culminate next week with Valentine’s Day on 14th February. While modern Valentine festivities generally revolve around romantic love, it also has roots in early spring observations, especially around the season of bird mating. The first recorded association of Saint Valentine’s Day with […]
Though one may not feel the full impact of the cold in cities like Mumbai and much of costal peninsular India, it is actually mid-winter in the Northern hemisphere. While Iranian Zoroastrians just celebrated Jashn-e-Sadeh on 29th January, Hindus will celebrate Vasant Panchami on 2nd February, 2025. Both are mid-winter festivals and celebrate the oncoming […]
On 26th January, 2025, India will celebrate Republic Day, with the theme this year being ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas‘ (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a Sovereign Democratic Republic on January 26, 1950. Every year, the celebrations marking the day feature spectacular […]
On 19th January, 2025, Mumbai city will witness the annual ‘Mumbai Marathon’, an event ongoing proudly since 2004. For endurance enthusiasts, these forty-two kilometres gruellingly, exhilarating, long-distance run is an indescribable moment and movement, described by many as a life-changing moment. The Mumbai Marathon is not just about running. It has an inclusive and robust […]
The holy month of Shehrevar will commence from 12th January 2025, as per the Zoroastrian Shehenshahi calendar and 14th January will be observed as Uttarayana or Makar Sankranti or ‘Kite-flying’ day, particularly in Gujarat. During this festival, people savour Undhiyu which is tasty mix of winter vegetables and Chikki made with sesame seeds, peanuts and […]
The Yalda, Christmas and New Year festivities are over and we are already into the first week of a brand-new year 2025. Astrologers and numerologists have made their forecasts, but for most of us, stars may impel but they don’t compel. We have the choice to view most life situations as either a boon or […]
The Iranshah Udwada Utsav 2024, commencing 27th December is a three-day fest aimed at promoting community bonding and a better understanding of our religion, history, culture and values, alongside showcasing and recognising talent. And all this is at Udwada, the spiritual hub of our community in India. The festival makes this otherwise quiet and sleepy […]
Today, 21st December, 2024, marks the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere. The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of the Earth’s poles reach their maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere of the globe. Today marks mid-winter as also the shortest day and […]
We are currently observing the month of Amardad as per the Zoroastrian Shahanshahi calendar. Amardad (Avesta Ameretat) represents Ahura Mazda’s quality of eternity. Amardad is also the seventh Amesha Spenta (Bounteous Immortal) presiding over vegetation. The Hamkara or co-workers of Amardad are Rashe, Ashtad and Zamyad. Rashne (Avesta Rashnu) is invoked as Raast or truthful, and along with Ashtad (Avesta Arshtat), […]