Jini Dinshaw, violin virtuoso and founder of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra (BCO)—India’s oldest indigenous Western...
arZan Articles
Jini Dinshaw: A one-woman institution for whom music was life itself
Jini Dinshaw (1930-2025), the founder of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra – India’s oldest active Western classical...
The Difference between- Shenshai, Kadmi and Fasli Zoroastrian Calendar.
We have received the below from our regular reader and good friend Pesho Kotwal. He received this as a forward. Pesho writes One notices from time to time that “we” do not have an...
Navroze low key for lone Parsi family in East Maharashtra
Chandrapur: Even as their community members celebrated ‘Navroze’ in Mumbai on Monday with fervour, the new year was not that boisterous for ‘Gundevias’, the only Parsi family...
Power of Three: Parsis who shaped Modern Indian Art
An upcoming exhibition thrives on nostalgia, exploring the relationship between two gallerists and a collector who shaped the destiny of modern Indian greats. Passionate collector Jehangir Nicholson...
Sooni Taraporevala: 10 Tips For Screenwriters
DearCinema organized IndieTalk with renowned screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala on July 19 in Mumbai. This is what the writer of films like Salaam Bombay!, The Namesake and Mississippi Masala had to...
New documentary explores the Parsi community
Unique to India, there is no other community like the Parsis. Divya Cowasji and Shilpi Gulati, postgraduates from TISS and documentary filmmakers, get the community to share their most sacred spaces...
Dossabhai Oliaji: RIP
We are sad to inform the passing away of Dossabhai Oliaji one of the legends of Parsi Hospitality. Good friend and reader of Parsi Khabar Zarir Oomrigar informed us of this sad news. Image...
Who Are the Yezidis: Are they Zoroastrians ?
The article below is an edited and abridged version of the original article that apepared in the Deen Parast. We thank Soonu, good friend and regular reader of Parsi Khabar for editing the article....
Wadia Group: Two centuries and beyond
Perhaps India’s oldest conglomerate, the Wadia Group traces its roots back to at least 200 years before the country’s independence. The group’s journey from 1736 till date Article by P.R. Sanjai...
Godrej group: Unlocking entrepreneurship
The Godrej group’s journey, from making locks and safes to selling processed food and property under the third and fourth generations of owners Article by Madhura Karnik | Live Mint ...
Parsi New Year Celebrations in New Delhi and Hyderabad
Parsis in Delhi come together to ring in New Year There were 275 guests expected, with Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla as chief guest, and Rohinton Fali Nariman, newly appointed judge...
Administrator appointed by HC to safeguard estate of Purvez Dalal in Rs 200 crore dispute
Two sides-‘heirs’ and ‘confidantes’-are in tussle over properties of Purvez Dalal, who died in 2011. In a dispute pertaining to two wills, both of which list properties worth...
All that Mawa drama
An age-old Parsi eatery announces that it’s going to shut down. Soon, media houses start speculating about the reasons and publish reams of stories glorifying the outlet and its rich history. In no...
Doongerwadi pallbearers threaten strike fearing non-payment of bonus
UPDATE: The article below appeared in the Mumbai Times on August 10. Further to that, as per an email communique, the issue has been resolved. BPP Chairman Dinshaw Mehta mentioned that two payments...
Ame Chhaiye Parsi: Traditional Music Comes Alive
Below is a write up sent by Parsi Khabar reader and well known community figure Marzban Giara. Let us welcome Yezdezerdi 1384 with a round of lilting music in our homes, colonies and baugs. AME...
Chinese excavations likely to redefine Zoroastrianism’s origin
Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the ancient Persian Empire. Its founder, Zoroaster, or Zarathustra, is thought to have been born in what is now Northeast Iran or Southwest Afghanistan. A...
Navroze Mubarak: Happy New Year 1384 Y.Z.
Dear Reader This year marks the start of 10th year of Parsi Khabar. What started as a very small idea on August 19th, 2005 has grown over a decade to become the premier source of online Parsi news...
Everyday Parsi: Shernaz Petigara
Our twelfth and final author in this year’s Everyday Parsi series Shernaz Petigara writes What do the Muktad days mean to me? When Parsi Khabar asked me to write on this topic, I just did not...
Everyday Parsi: Fareeza Doctor
Our eleventh author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Fareeza Doctor writes For much of my life, the onset of August has meant the start of preparations for Humbandagi, and Mukhtad prayers, and of...
Everyday Parsi: Behroze A. Clubwala
Our tenth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Behroze A. Clubwala writes The Muktads – traditions in India and an adaptation over the years in my home. I grew up in Madras, known today as...
Everyday Parsi: Sanaya Pardiwalla
Our ninth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Sanaya Pardiwalla writes As a Parsi, Muktad prayers have taken place in my family at different time points in my lifetime. I was under 3 years old...
Everyday Parsi: Ervad Jimmy Doctor
Our eighth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Ervad Jimmy Doctor writes Ever since I can remember, history has been one of my favorite subjects. It is only through history that we can value...
Everyday Parsi: Rayomand J. Patell
Our seventh author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Rayomand J. Patell writes I grew up in a fairly small, liberal family at Altamount Road, which meant i didn’t have too many Parsi friends while...
Everyday Parsi: Kobad Zarolia
Our sixth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Ervad Kobad Zarolia writes My impression more than memories would be the right title. I became Navar at the age of 11 and prayed as a hired Help at...
Everyday Parsi: Navroz N. Dabu
Our fifth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Navroz N. Dabu writes I have to confess that as a Child; I was not too enthusiastic, going to the Agiari or Atash Behram. Stark simplicity...
Let’s honour ‘Sam Bahadur’ with the Bharat Ratna now
I can’t claim to know what the Prime Minister is thinking but if my hunch is correct I feel it would not be out of place to offer my personal advice. If he accepts what I’m about to propose he can...
Everyday Parsi: Neville Sorabji Gandhi
Our fourth author in the Everyday Parsi 2014Everyday Parsi 2014 series Neville Sorabji Gandhi writes My name is Neville Sorabji Gandhi. I was born and graduated in Mumbai. I am happily married to...
Qissa-e Parsi: The Parsi Story
A wonderful documentarty titled “Qissa-E-Parsi” is announced to the world with a lovely trailer. Divya Cowasji, co-director of the film writes: I am a documentary filmmaker and photographer based...
Everyday Parsi: Dolly Dastoor
Our third author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Dolly Dastoor writes Muktad, was the sweet fragrance l of pink roses which you had to hold carefully on your way to the agiary so as not to get...
Everyday Parsi: Farzana Cooper
Our second author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Farzana Cooper writes I grew up in a middle class Parsi family in Mumbai which had a mix atmosphere. My father was a jovial man who followed no...
Everyday Parsi: Sarosh J. Collector
Our first author in the Everyday Parsi 2014 series Sarosh J. Collector writes Muktad and what it has meant to me. Dear Parsi Khabar, I am humbled, that you have asked me to reflect on the Muktad...
The Everyday Parsi in 2014
August 8, 2014 is the first day of Muktad or to call it correctly “Farvardegan” per the Shehanshahi Parsi Calendar. Parsis around the world and especially in India remember the dear departed of...
Cafe 792 Opens in Dadar Parsi Colony
Be it cold cuts, set lunches or quick bites, Café 792, tucked inside Dadar’s leafy Parsi Colony, offers a variety of delicious chow, especially when you are on the go. We treaded on a gravel-laden...
Screening of “Legacy of the Flame” in Mumbai
The Museum Society of Bombay Cordially invites you to a Film Screening on Wednesday 13 August 2014 at the Visitors Centre Auditorium, CSMVS, (Prince of Wales Museum) at 5.30pm sharp Dr Homi...
Spotlight on the Yazidis and their plight in present day Iraq
Iraq’s jihadis have vowed to wipe out the Yazidis. Who are they? The ancient religious group, concentrated in Iraq, have been targeted for extermination by the so-called ‘Islamic...
The Khada Parsi Statue: In Animation
Sandwiched between the famous Byculla flyovers is the 152-year old cast iron statue of Shet Cursetjee Manockjee. The long forgotten 40 feet tall statue, once known to be a famous landmark, is back...
Dadysett Atash Behram Turns 232
The oldest fire temple in Mumbai turned 232 years old on Monday August 4, 2014. The Dadysett Atash Behram at Chira Bazar in south Mumbai entered its 232nd year on Monday. It is the city’s...
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Man and His Times
We are happy to present a full write-up from the authors of this amazing book on India’s Greatest Soldier and a proud Parsi Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: The Man...
Noshir Dadrewala on the Banning Priests Controversey
Noshir H. Dadrawala writes I have read with interest the response of sitting BPP trustees, Mr. Khojeste Mistree and Mr. Yazdi Desai to the open letter written by former BPP trustee Mr. Dinshaw...
Banning Priests Controversey: Dinshaw Tamboly Further Clarifies
From Dinshaw Tamboly to Parsi Times with c.c. to BPP July 28. 2014 Editor, Parsi Times, 102, Vikas Building, 11, Bank Street, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. Madam, This is in response to the write up by...
Joss Opens in Santacruz, Mumbai
The much-loved South Mumbai landmark Joss will re-open in the ’burbs. But the restaurant has changed more than its location, as its menu will now take on a surprising, multi-sensory approach to...
Jamsheed Kanga and Homi Khushrokhan on the Banning Priests Controversey
From Jamsheed Kanga & Homi Khushrokhan to BPP Jamsheed G...
Khojeste Mistree & Yazdi Desai Respond to Dinshaw Tamboly
From Khojeste Mistree & Yazdi Desai to Parsi Times This case goes much beyond just banning 2 Renegade Priests……. Khojeste Mistree and Yazdi Desai, BPP Trustees In recent days, some members of...
Parsis and their cars
Why are Parsis into cars? Why do their prized possessions enjoy a unique brand equity in India? We meet a few Parsis to learn about their passion for their mechanical mistresses. From the archives:...
Feud with the Wadias begins to pinch Bombay Parsi Punchayet
Feud with the Wadias begins to pinch – Parsi Punchayet runs out of funds, stops two grants With the Wadias unhappy over the administration of Parsi colonies freezing Rs 120 crore in banks,...
In Conversation with Khushru Pocha: Just Call for Blood
Khushroo Poacha, Founder – Indianblooddonors.com “Help each other One to One. Do not depend on our Leaders”.- Mother Teresa KHUSHROO POACHA, an office superintendent with the Indian railways,...
Farrokh Khambata’s JOSS to Open in Santacruz Mumbai
Long after shutting down Joss at Kala Ghoda, owner Farrokh Khambata will now open an outpost at Santacruz (W). Launching in place of Two One Two All Day, next to the Mini Cooper showroom, the Pan...
Jiyo Parsi Workshop: Family Life in the 21st Century
Dear friend of Parsi Khabar, Dr. Shernaz Cama informs Dear All, I would be grateful if this Notice could be given wide publicity. It is the 1st in a series of Workshops in the Advocacy section of...
Royapuram: Wheel of time takes the sea away
In the 1970s, Ajit Diaz’s family was among the very few non-Anglo Indian families to make Royapuram their home. Article by Serena Josephine M | The Hindu What he vividly remembers about this north...
BBC: Mumbai’s Disappearing Irani Cafes
Mumbai’s grand old Parsi cafes have long been a symbol of the city’s diverse cuisine and culture. They were first opened in the 19th century by settlers moving to India from Iran and...
Vaccine Billionaire Cyrus Poonawalla Joins Race For London’s Grosvenor House Hotel
Cash-rich pharma billionaire Cyrus Poonawalla who got wealthy making low-cost vaccines that his Serum Institute of India sells around the world, has put in a $937 million bid for London’s Grosvenor...