The Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (ZAPANJ) marked its April Religious Class with a vibrant celebration of Adar Roj-nu-Parab, with young learners for a session filled with creativity and cultural connection. The children were divided into two groups and engaged in preparing for Choola nu Varas, the symbolic birthday of the house fire […]
As per the Shehenshahi calendar, the holy Adar month has already commenced and tomorrow will be Roj Daepadar, observed as ‘Chulah nu varas’ or the birthday of the hearth fire, and next day will be Roj Adar, observed as Atash nu Parab or the birthday of fire. The term Adar is derived from Pahlavi Adur […]
Today, 21st February, 2026, is Roj Khurshed (a day dedicated to the Divinity presiding over the Sun) and Mah Meher (month dedicated to the Divinity presiding over the purifying rays of the sun). As per Zoroastrian tradition, Khurshed and Meher are Divine entities whose Nyaish (litany) are prayed together, symbolizing the inseparable nature of sunlight and its source […]
14th February, 2026, is Valentine’s Day! Across the world, this day celebrates love and friendship. However, few know that it originated as a Christian religious feast to honour a martyr named Saint Valentine. According to legend, saint Valentine performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry by the Roman emperor Claudius II. Later, during […]
The Hormusjee Dadabhoy Saher Agiary marked its glorious 180th salgreh on 28th January, 2026, with devotion and community participation. The premises were beautifully adorned with traditional chalk designs, flowers and sacred photo frames. Devotees from near and far gathered for the morning Jashan ceremony which was followed by a Humbandagi. A steady stream of visitors […]
12-year-old Rushad Khushravi Palia was ordained Navar on 3rd January, 2026, at Sethna Agiary. Performed by Er. Khushravi D. Palia and Er. Hoshedar G. Panthaky, the Navar ceremony was dedicated to the memory of his late grandfather, Darayus Padamji Palia. The son of proud parents – Khushnum and Er. Khushravi Palia and grandson of Dinaz Palia […]
Mithaiwalla Agiary celebrated the auspicious Amardad Parabh on 19th December, 2025, with a Jashan performed by Panthaki Er. Zavahir Dastur, followed by Humbandagi conducted by Er. Darayesh R. Katrak. The observance concluded with an insightful religious discourse on Amardad, the last of Ahura Mazda’s Ameshaspands, who is entrusted with the guardianship of plant life and […]
According to the Shehenshahi Zoroastrian calendar, today is Roj Hormazd of Mah Amardad. Avesta Ameretat or Amardad is the seventh Amesha Spenta – Divine Essence of Ahura Mazda. In the Zoroastrian tradition, each Amesha Spenta has guardianship over a Good Creation of Ahura Mazda, thus representing the presence of the creator in every creation. Ameretat […]
From a spiritual perspective, the 24-hour day is tied to the cyclical nature of energy and consciousness. In Zoroastrianism, each day is divided into five Gah or Geh, each spanning over a period of four to five hours. The first two – Ushahin Geh and Havan Geh are longer since most rituals and religious ceremonies are […]
The ancient Iranian festival of Mehregan was celebrated with pride in Iran, as officials and tourism professionals gathered at Persepolis on 19th October, 2025 to unveil a plaque marking its inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The event, held at the Persepolis World Heritage Site in Fars province, drew nearly 200 tourism guides and […]
The 193rd Humbandagi was observed on Ava Roj, 23rd October, 2025, at the sacred Bhikha Behram Well. The evening commenced with a Jashan ceremony at 4:30 pm, followed by the Humbandagi at 5:30 pm. A special talk by Zoroastrian scholar and community leader, Noshir Dadrawala, added spiritual depth to the gathering, which also marked the […]