Dear Readers, As always, there is so much to look forward to in this most auspicious month of August. We get our homes all tidied up to welcome the sacred 10-day Muktad period, starting on the 6th of this month. During this period, it is believed, that the holy fravashis (or divine essence) of those who have […]
On 29th September, 2019, the vibrant seniors of Panthaki Baug descended at the pavilion for an exhilarating eve of music and fun with Hutoxi Tavadia of ‘Tarana Musicals’, under the auspices of Panthaki Baug Welfare Centre. Organised by the Baug’s five dynamic enthusiasts – Zarin Jesia, Mani Elavia, Freny Siganporia and Ardaviraf and wife, Khurshid […]
From October 11-13, 2019, Zoroastrian Association of Houston’s (ZAH) annual library event will showcase an enlightening program on how the knowledge of the past is a bridge to the future of a faith that has influenced all the major religions of the world. For the first time, the ZAH teams with FIRES (FEZANA Information Research […]
Over 8000 people gathered in Toronto (Canada) to be part of the ‘Parliament of World’s Religions’, which extended from the 1st to 7th November, 2018, marking its 7th chapter. The Zoroastrian flag was flown by under the aegis of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA). Zoroastrians participated as speakers at the Opening […]
A compilation of over a hundred pictures depicting our rich Zoroastrian culture and heritage, ‘Like Sugar In Milk’ is a photographic compendium authored by Italian photojournalist, Majlend Bramo. Commencing this project back in 2014, 30-year-old Majlend states, “While working for the Florence based newspaper, ‘Corriere Della Sera’, I came across an Italian book by Terzani […]
. One often hears Parsis say that they are proud of their religious roots. However, try asking the average Parsi in the street what it means to be a Zarathushtrian and you’re likely, at best, to hear the over-simplified and stereotyped message of, “Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds”. Though these principles form the […]
Why Is Sauce For The Parsi Goose Not Sauce For The Parsi Gander? Parsis have been in the national news again and as usual for all the wrong reasons. The ongoing dispute is essentially gender based: Why can only Parsi men marry outside the community and continue to enjoy full religious rights – including […]
PT: Tell us about the origin of ‘Gehs’. Er. Karanjia: The word ‘Gah’ or ‘Geh’ originates from the Pahlavi language, meaning ‘time, period or place’. Time is a very important concept in the Zoroastrian religion. The world was created as a fixed period of time from endless time. To be connected to God it is […]
Khosrow I, (Chosroes I or Kaswra), better known as Anushirvan, “the Immortal Soul” or Anushirvan-e-dadgar, Anushirvan the Just, or Naushirvan the just, the twenty-second Shahenshah of the Sasanian empire was born in AD 501 (Some historians say he was born in AD 498). He was known as one of the greatest emperors of Persia for […]
PT: What does ‘Behram’ mean? Er. P. Karanjia: ‘Behram’ means permanent illumination, which He creates in this universe by dispelling all our difficulties, whether they are related to health, disputes, financial problems, litigation, domestic unrest, employment, debt and any spiritual adversities faced by a Zoroastrian devotee. For this reason we refer to Him as ‘Mushkel […]
PT: What is the literal meaning of ‘Sarosh Yazad’? What does the name signify? Er. Karanjia: The name ‘Sarosh’ literally means obedience, taken from the Avesta root word ‘sru’, meaning ‘to hear, to obey.’ Ahura Mazda entrusted Sarosh Yazad with the responsibility of protecting the material world and human beings, hence he presides over our […]