Zoroastrians seem to have adopted the Fravahar or Farohar (often pre-fixed with the term Asho which means pure) as a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. However, is it really a Zoroastrian religious symbol? What does it represent? What is the origin of this symbol? These and several other questions require deeper introspection. Is it…
– Parsi Charitable Trusts involved in commercial activities pertaining to housing to exercise extra caution! – The recent judgment of the Supreme Court of India pertaining to commercial or business activities and income from such activities by charitable trusts and institutions enjoying tax exemption is of far-reaching consequences to all trusts, including Parsi charitable trusts….
On 26th November, 2022, Roj Tir coincides with Mah Tir as per the Shahenshahi calendar, marking the Parab or festival of Tiragan, one of the three most widely celebrated seasonal festivals of ancient Iran, mentioned even in the Jewish Talmud. While Navruz (Mah Fravardin, Roj Hormuzd) celebrates renewed life and the warmth of spring after…
Sanjan Day was celebrated on November 15, 2022, by the community with much gusto. This is, in fact, an annual event to commemorate our community’s historical roots, but more importantly, to express our sense of loyalty and gratitude to India. Exodus From Iran To India: Little is known or documented about the advent of the…
Every year, the ‘United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’ (UNESCO) celebrates ‘World Philosophy Day’ on the third Thursday of November, underlining the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for every individual. According to UNESCO, “Philosophy is an inspiring discipline as well as an everyday practice that can…
If there is one word that defines modern life or living, it would be ‘stress’! Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don’t feel we can manage or control. Stress transcends barriers of age, gender, class or creed. Children…
Ask an average Zoroastrian the fundamental ethos of his/her religion and it is likely that he or she would say, “Humata, Hukata, Huvrashta” or good thoughts, good words and good deeds. However, the fundamental ethos of the religion does not require three words, just one would suffice… and that would be ‘Asha’. Asha, which is…
To say that Diwali is a glittering festival would be an understatement. From dazzling lights to sparkling fireworks, the festival is all about light and lustre. Around this festive season, Indians invest in glittering gold, new cars, sparkling fireworks and dazzling new clothes. However, the one big investment we often fail to make is in…
Today, 15th October, 2022 (Roj Hormazd, Mah Khordad) and 20th October will be the parab of Khordad (Roj Khordad, Mah Khordad) according to the Shehenshahi Calendar. Khordad is the third month of the Zoroastrian calendar and it brings blessings of purity and perfection. Khordad (Avesta Haurvatat) is not only an Amesha Spenta presiding over the purifying waters, it also embodies…
Recently, I met a Parsi who gleefully said, “the advent of the Saviour is very near!” Nonchalantly, I told him that I have been hearing that since the last forty years. Yet, out of curiosity, I asked what made him think the time now is near. “Look at what’s happening all around the world, the…
In India, Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon and harvested during September-October. The month of October celebrates a rich and varied harvest of Indo-Iranian autumn festivals, including Mehregan and Dussehra. October 2, 2022 is Roj Meher of Mah Meher as per the Fasal (Fasli) or seasonal calendar. Mehregan celebrates Meher Yazata, the…