About 11 years ago, Er. Zarrir Bhandara, the much-respected and loved priest, heading the Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC), and known for his dedicated commitment to the Zoroastrian religion as well as community service, suggested the commencement of a Humbandagi to further the coming together of the Zoroastrian community. He believed rightfully that coming together…
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…
The demand to award industrialist, philanthropist and social activist – Ratan Tata, the highest national civilian honour – the Bharat Ratna, has been amplifying across India. Already awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2008, Ratan Tata’s dedication to the over-all upliftment of industry, society and development across various other sectors, has attracted much global praise…
The holiday season is the best time of the year and after two years of having subdued celebrations due to the pandemic, this year, it’s even more special! People are travelling, socialising and getting back to normal life. Even so, there is a certain level of anxiety around the culinary part of the season. For…
On 14th December, 2022, one of India’s oldest-living First Class cricketers and certainly the oldest of Mumbai city – Rusi Cooper – celebrated his 100th birthday. Rusi Cooper becomes the second Mumbai Ranji Trophy player in two years to reach a century in life, after the passing away of Vasant Raiji in January 2020. He is now…
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…
Continuing their brilliant success in body-building, the father-son duo – Jehangir Randeria (52) and Kaiwan Randeria (23), have once again achieved dazzling gold wins, alongside history-making news by also winning the overall titles, at the ‘Mumbai Shree Bodybuilding Competition’, organised by the Amateur Bodybuilding Association of Mumbai. In this year’s Mumbai Shree Bodybuilding Competition, which…
Thoughts About Our Youth Having heard the speech delivered by Dr. Adil Malia at Sanjan on Sanjan Day – it felt heartening and optimistic. He emphasized how the Zoroastrian religion would thrive despite some of the doomsday prophets’ bleak outlook. This set me thinking about the continuity of Zoroastrianism well beyond pessimistic pronouncements of some…
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…
Real estate in prime Parsi colonies seem to rake in more than current market rates of swanky apartments anywhere else! Fascinating, isn’t it? Born, bred and ‘buttered’ a true colony Bawi, I’ve indeed experienced the appeal of living in one, for the better part of my life. I view my lifestyle in and amongst the…
WAPIZ partnered with N K Dhabhar Cancer Foundation and OnCare to spread awareness on Cancer on 4th December, 2022, at the Dadar Madressa Hall in Mumbai. It was presided over by Chief Guest – legendary actor and recipient of the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – Aruna Irani, as also eminent ghazal singer and artist –…