The year 2020 will soon be upon us and we can choose to welcome it with our usual Veil of Vanity or a Vision of Value. ‘20-20 vision’ is a term used by ophthalmologists to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. Do we, as…
Diwali is the five-day festival of light, celebrated by millions across the world. The festival coincides with the Hindu New Year and thus also celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali also commemorates Lakshmi, the Divinity of wealth and prosperity. Five Days of Festivity: The five days…
People often ask what the pair of winged bulls with a human head outside several fire temples signify and what is its origin? Sumerian Roots: To begin with, this figurine is called ‘Lamassu’, and it is not of Persian or Iranian origin. The Persians adopted it from an earlier but neighboring civilization. The earliest depiction…
One often hears Parsis say that they are proud to be Parsis. However, try asking the average Parsi in the street what it means to be a Zarathushtrian (a follower of Prophet Zarathushtra) and you are likely to draw a blank. At best, you are likely to hear the over-simplified and stereotyped message of, ‘Good…
The ‘Model Tenancy Act 2019’ (MTA) has created a flutter among both landowners and tenants. There is even greater anxiety among trustees of trusts providing housing facilities to beneficiaries who are statutory tenants. MTA 2019 has not been finalized as yet and views/comments of the public and stakeholders as also the states and union territories…
Would it be right to say that Comedy King Diniyar Contractor is no more? One could turn philosophical and say that he is no more in body on the stage of planet earth. But, even this would be incorrect, because the body of his work on stage and screen will continue to entertain and inspire…
The Bhagarsath Anjuman of Navsari has elected seventy-four-year-old Ervad (now Dastur) Kaikhushru Cowasji Ravji as the eighteenth successor to the ecclesiastical seat and title of MeherjiRana. Earlier, the seventeenth MeherjiRana Dastur Kaikhushroo Navroze Dastoor had succeeded Dastur Meherji Dastur Kekobad, in January 2010. This would be an appropriate time to gain a brief yet adequate understanding…
Most religions see the Devil or Satan as the antithesis of God and all that is good. Although this archfiend features in some form or the other in almost every religion, many scholars aver that the concept of the ‘evil spirit’, as also ‘heaven’ and ‘hell’ was first introduced by Zoroastrianism, especially to the three…
Most within the community know Noshir Dadrawala as Trustee of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, a highly knowledgeable scholar on matters of Zoroastrian religion and as a regular contributor to Parsi Times. Few know that these comprise only his special interests. In his professional life, Noshir Dadrwala is an expert and the ‘go to’ person in…
[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”]As the holy month of Adar (dedicated to the Divinity of Fire) draws to a close, Parsi Times is pleased to carry the story of Iranshah, the very first Atashbehram that our forebears consecrated in India. Why is this fire named Iranshah? Did we bring this fire from Iran? Was it consecrated in…
[otw_shortcode_info_box border_style=”bordered” css_class=”boxed”]As the holy month of Adar (dedicated to the Divinity of Fire) draws to a close, Parsi Times is pleased to carry the story of Iranshah, the very first Atashbehram that our forebears consecrated in India. Why is this fire named Iranshah? Did we bring this fire from Iran? Was it consecrated in…