Recently, a meeting of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India was held in Mumbai. The meeting was scheduled for two days and I attended the same in my capacity as Jt. Honorary Secretary. However, I left just before lunch on the first day itself because of the proverbial ‘bad blood’ I saw spilling…
વાસ્તુ અનુસાર, ઉત્તર દિશાને સારી માનવામાં આવે છે તે કુબેરનું ક્ષેત્ર છે – સંપત્તિના દેવતા. ઉત્તર-પૂર્વ વધુ સારી માનવામાં આવે છે. બીજી બાજુ, દક્ષિણ દિશાને યમનું ક્ષેત્ર માનવામાં આવે છે, મૃત્યુનું દેવત્વ અને તેથી તે દિશા સારી નથી. જો કે, પારસી પરંપરામાં વિરૂધ્ધતા છે તે દક્ષિણને સારું અને ઉત્તરને સારું નહીં માનવાનું જણાવે છે. અમને…
A few days ago, I met a friend who argued that prayers and rituals are not in accord with the spirit of the Gatha or the message of Zarathushtra. His emphasis was only on wisdom, rational thinking and the simplistic notion of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. I concurred with him that the…
According to vastu, the Northern direction is considered good for it is the domain of Kuber – the Divinity of Wealth. North-east is considered even better. On the other hand, the Southern direction is considered the domain of Yama, the Divinity of Death and therefore not so good. However, in Zoroastrian tradition, it’s the opposite…
We are now in the holy month of Shehrevar (Avestan Khshathra vairya), which represents Ahura Mazda’s ‘desirable dominion’ and is the Amesha Spenta or Archangel presiding over metals and minerals. The Zoroastrian religion has influenced the three Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) in many ways and in particular, the concept of the ‘Kingdom of…
The wedding season is on in full swing across India and Parsis are no exception. Not just Parsis, but even members of other communities eagerly look forward to getting invited to savour the bharuchi akoori, patra or the saas ni macchi, sali murghi, pulao daar and wash it all down with chilled Raspberry or Ginger!…
Today marks the last day of the year 2022. Overall, 2022 has been a good year, compared to its earlier counterparts – 2020 and 2021. Therefore, there’s much to be grateful for, and even more to feel hopeful for, starting tomorrow. Gratitude for the year that was… In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and…
Today, many across the globe will celebrate Christmas Eve and tomorrow, the Christmas feast or holiday. Iranians would have already celebrated the feast of Yalda on 21st December. Interestingly, the festival of Christmas has similarities or rather roots in the ancient Iranian feast of Yalda, which celebrates the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere. While…
As per the Shahanshahi calendar, we are now in the holy month of Amardad (Avesta Ameretat), variously translated as immortality, eternity and wholesomeness. Amardad is the Seventh Amesha Spenta – Divine Energy/Force of Ahura Mazda, which Zoroastrians refer to collectively as the ‘Bounteous Immortals’. In Zoroastrian tradition, each Amesha Spenta has guardianship over a Good…
The first seven days, according to our calendar, are named after the Seven Ameshaspands. Each of these also has some helpers or assistants who assist them in performing their righteous duty. The significance of the Ameshaspands is as given under: Dadar Hormuzd – the Wisdom and the Spirit of God (Spenta Mainyu): Every man requires the…
Besides our love for food, drink, humour and all things good in life, the Parsi community has a special fondness for dogs – know to be ‘man’s best friend’. Most Parsis go the extra mile for their pet dog/s as their favourite family member! Many also feed stray dogs occasionally or even every day. We…