Few things represent life in Mumbai better than the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The colossal,...
arZan Articles
Dr. Mahzarin R. Banaji Named a Carnegie “Great Immigrant, Great American”
Parsi-American Scholar Dr. Mahzarin R. Banaji Honored by Carnegie Foundation Harvard social psychologist, author, and...
The critic as artist: Hoshang Merchant
On how India’s first openly gay poet, Hoshang Merchant has created an entire tradition of interdisciplinary literary and cultural criticism Article by Saikat Majumdar | Hindustan Times In his...
Stone-eating Lichen that threaten Iran’s ancient Persepolis
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Persepolis features colossal sculptures and intricate stone reliefs of ancient Persian kings, nobles and deities AFP Ruins of the stone Gates in Persepolis,...
Parsi cemetery tells tales of Rawalpindi’s rich past
Established in 1890, the historical landmark awaits authorities’ attention Article by Qaiser Shirazi | Tribune Pakistan Rawalpindi, a city with a rich history spanning over centuries is home...
Madagascar’s Enigmatic Rock-Cut Architecture may have been of Zoroastrian origin
An international team of researchers found an enigmatic rock-cut architecture at Teniky, a site in the remote Isalo Massif in southern Madagascar, that has no parallels on the island or the East...
Religiographies on Zoroastrian Esotericism: Special Issue
We are happy to share a new publication by our dear friends Mariano Errichiello, Daniel J. Sheffield and Yuhan Sohrab-Dinshaw Vevaina Special Issue: “Zoroastrian Esotericism” edited by Mariano...
Minority Generosity: The Ruttonjees, a Parsi family, exemplify the diversity of Hong Kong benevolence
Along with other great philanthropic families in Hong Kong history, the Ruttonjees have left an indelible mark on the city. Their legacy has been amazing acts of giving and the establishment of...
Sisters divided: How partition ruptured a family in a vanishing community
To mark this week’s anniversary of the partition of India and Pakistan, a writer recalls her encounters with two sisters from the Zoroastrian community whose lives were divided forever in 1947....
Zubin Karkaria Featured in Arabian Business 100 Most Inspiring Leaders 2024
Zubin Karkaria the founder and CEO of VFS Global is featured as one of the 100 most inspiring leaders in the Arabian Business Top 100 list. Welcome to the Arabian Business Inspiring Leaders List,...
The overlooked Gandhi: a legacy for our times
After 64 years since September 8, 1960, when Feroze Gandhi bid farewell to the world, not many remember him. He had an eventful life till he died prematurely of heart failure at the age of...
Heartbreak High’s Ayesha Madon on her turn to pop music, her fave Parsi dish and more
Welcome to Chit Chat, where we ask your favourite celebs, up-and-coming artists and internet-famous creatives a bunch of silly questions for fun, and a handful of prying ones. (Supplied:...
Historic 1980 Rock Concert by ‘The Police’ in Mumbai Was Organised by Parsi Ladies
Did You Know? Historic 1980 Rock Concert by ‘The Police’ in Mumbai Was Organised by Parsi Ladies In 1980, Parsi ladies from the Time and Talents Club organised a concert with the rock...
Two Centuries of Service: Parsi and Zarathushti Presence in Ooty
The below article appeared in the print and online edition of Inside43 Two Centuries of Service From a shop that opened almost two hundred years ago in Ooty, until today, the Parsi community has...
Marine Line’s Sodawaterwala Agiary Commemorates 150th Anniversary on Zoroastrian ‘All Souls Day
On Monday, the Sodawaterwala Agiary celebrated its 150th anniversary, coinciding with the Zoroastrian ‘All Souls Day,’ a day observed on the Fravahar Roj, during which the community...
For India’s Tata Group, the philosophy behind ‘sky burial’ lights the way
Zoroastrian family’s business empire stands out for its philanthropic practices Ratan Tata speaks during an interview with Nikkei in Tokyo in 2017. (Photo by Keiichiro Sato) SATOSHI IWAKI,...
In Mumbai, for his supposedly last show at NCPA, Zubin Mehta said he may not put down the baton soon
The 88-year-old maestro was recently in Mumbai to once again conduct the Symphony Orchestra of India. Globally celebrated conductor Zubin Mehta was greeted with a standing ovation as he walked to...
Britannia & Co: Restaurant Why This 101-Year-Old Iconic Eatery Has Mumbai’s Heart
Britannia & Co is more than just a restaurant; it is a living testament to the city’s vibrant history and cultural diversity. The restaurant has offered patrons a taste of Parsi and Iranian...
‘Jaan-e-Mumbai’: The slim Persian book that came to be the first urban biography of the city
Mahomed Ghyasoodeen’s account, published in 1817, remains a prototype for the numerous biographies of the city that continue to be written 200 years on. Article by Murali Ranganathan | Scroll...
Dr Bhabha’s collectibles go under the hammer; fetch a fine purse for NCPA
Maestro Mehta too said that he was grateful to the Bhabha family for generously contributing their family heirlooms for the cause of art. The NCPA is the perfect institution to trust to put these...
Time and Talents Club: Ninety years of giving with grace
Among the most iconic institutions gifted to Bombay, the Time & Talents Club stays robust and relevant. Its firm humanitarian resolve engages with philanthropy and entertainment in wonderfully...
Diana Pundole Creates Motor Racing History
In a historic achievement for Indian motorsports, Diana Pundole from Pune has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Indian woman to win a national racing championship title. The...
When will a Parsi play cricket for India again?
As Farokh Engineer, one of India’s cricketing greats, steps into Parsee Gymkhana on Friday afternoon, the sea-facing club bears a near deserted look, with just a handful of youngsters in whites...
City Finds: A Look At The Best Of Mumbai’s Parsi Architecture
City Finds: A Look At The Best Of Mumbai’s Parsi Architecture During the 17th century, the Parsis established themselves in Bombay, where they achieved notable prominence. Their rich culture...
Everyone knows who Parsis are, but how many know about their culture?
The team of passionate academics helming the TISS-Parzor course on Parsi culture say it’s the first of its kind anywhere in India, and critical for a country that has been enriched by the minority...
Diaspora dreams of Parsi delicacies
From the Swiss Alps to Down Under, Parsi home chefs guarding a rich culinary tradition in distant lands speak to Sunday mid-day In bustling cities and quiet suburbs, far from their homeland,...
Music is music; I don’t know what to make of labels, says Zubin Mehta
Octogenarian maestro Zubin Mehta is in Mumbai for the second consecutive year to conduct the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) at the NCPA, which will be held over two successive weekends. Although...
Dr. Zeryab Setna Conferred the Hilal-E-Imtiaz One of Pakistan’s Highest Civilian Honors.
Pakistan’s Renowned gynecologist, Dr. Zeryab Setna, has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest honors. This accolade recognizes Dr. Setna’s remarkable contributions to women’s...
TISS-Parzor offer 10-month course on Zoroastrian heritage
MUMBAI: Two reputed institutes TISS and Parzor have devised an online certificate course on Zoroastrianism that has been thoughtfully developed to explain Parsi culture. Apart from burnishing the CV...
TISS PARZOR Launch Academic Programme on Parsi Zoroastrian Culture and Heritage Studies
Our dear friend and mentor Dr. Shernaz Cama writes in… I write to announce our TISS-Parzor Academic Programme. We are truly grateful for your support and faith in us. We will be glad if you will now...
Practice, Faith and Forgetting in Pakistan’s Zoroastrian Community
The Parsi Zoroastrian community is a small minority in the Indian subcontinent, descended from Iranian Zoroastrians who migrated to the west coast of India around the 10th century. There they...
Maestro Zubin Mehta returns to conduct the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI)’s Autumn 2024 Season concerts
The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), the nation’s only full-time professional orchestra, is delighted to announce the return of maestro Zubin Mehta for the SOI Autumn 2024 Season, at the...
The Route to Parsi Cooking: From Pars to India and Beyond
We are happy to share that our friend Niloufer Mavalvala has come out with a new book The Route to Parsi Cooking: From Pars to India and Beyond Preserving the past for the future Place your order by...
Portrait Unveiled to Honour Lord Bilimoria’s Decade-Long Term as Chancellor of the University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham unveiled a portrait to commemorate Lord Karan Bilimoria’s remarkable ten-year tenure as Chancellor. Lord Bilimoria, the first Indian-born Chancellor of a Russell Group...
Zerbanoo Gifford at Westminster Abbey to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of South Africa’s Independence
Our dear friend and mentor Zerbanoo Gifford participated in a recent Thanksgiving event at the Westeminster Abbey in London, UK. Below is a write up by Athravan Sett a young Zarathushti from the UK...
Parshan Khosravi Appointed Deputy Treasurer at Young Democrats of America
Our dear friend and young Zarathushti leader Parshan Khosravi has been appointed as the Deputy Treasurer of the Young Democrats of America. Parshan is the past Co-Chair of ZYNA, Zoroastrian Youth of...
Shireen Contractor was the pioneering Indian triple-international you didn’t know about
In the Calcutta of the 1970s and ’80s lived a young Parsee who made her community proud with her sporting achievements Article by Shamya Dasgupta | Cricinfo It was 1972 or 1973. Kumkum...
J B Vachha School: On this day 100 years ago, my Zoroastrian high school was founded in Mumbai, India
Dear friends, I woke up today to the pleasant news of longevity and resilience—my high school located in the beautiful Zoroastrian enclave of Dadar Parsi Colony, Mumbai—The J. B. Vachha High School...
Parsi Bombay, Then and Now: Iona Italia Speaks to Nev March
Iona Italia talks to Nev March about her historical novel, Murder in Old Bombay, and about the Zoroastrians of Bombay both past and present. Hello everyone, welcome to the Quillette podcast. I’m...
Celebrating Zoroastrian Women at the UK Asian Women Awards
The Asian Women Awards (AWA) in the UK have long been a beacon of recognition for Asian women who have made significant strides in their careers, personal causes, and communities. Celebrating its...
MJ Bhumgara: In early 20th century, a Parsi cricketer from Surat was a star in Los Angeles
Parsi cricketer MJ Bhumgara, a personal friend of KS Ranjitsinhji, was recognized as a proficient ‘twirler’ spinner in the cricketing world of early 20th century California. Article by...
In Chennai: A temple, a baug and a way of life
Zarine Mistry, a resident of Sterling Road, shares insights into the Parsi community in Chennai, highlighting Anjuman Baug’s significance. Additionally, the article mentions Delkhush...
Navsari Youth Continue Ghee Khichdi Ritual in 2024
The 100-year-old tradition in the Parsi community of indulging Varundev for good rains is still intact today. In it, the youth of the Parsi community go from house to house and collect ghee and rice...
In Bahman Month, Parsis Celebrate Vegetarianism
Parsi Vegetarian and Temperance Society celebrates movement founded in 1911 to promote vegetarianism and temperance. Article by Manoj Ramakrishnan | Free Press Journal Mumbai: In Bahman Month,...
At second-ever global convening, Zoroastrian youth seek a more connected future
Youth from the ancient faith campaigned to fund an interfaith center in England to promote the goals of inclusivity and interorganizational communication. World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum youth...
Insight into your surname with Kaevan Umrigar
Filmmaker Kaevan Umrigar has a humorous take on Parsi surnames Kaevan Umrigar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Kaevan Umrigar is a Mumbai-based writer and documentary filmmaker. He is also a...
Lt Gen Zubin Minwalla Assumes The Command of Indian Army Trishakti Corps
Lt Gen Minwalla’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the corps continues to fortify India’s defense capabilities on its eastern frontiers. In a significant military leadership...
Michelle Mama Wins a Canadian Screen Award 2024
Per a FEZANA post: Congrats to Michelle Mama on winning a Canadian Screen Award, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television! Michelle won an award for her work as an Executive...
Eventisation of religion: the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York City as an identity-oriented event
Paulina Niechciał a respected Zoroastrian scholar and researcher attended the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York in 2022, as also the 11th World Zoroastrian Congress in Perth in 2018....
Help Us Preserve the Heart and Soul of the ASHA Centre
The ASHA Centre is a magical place in the Forest of Dean in the United Kingdom. Founded by our dearest friend and mentor Zerbanoo Gifford it is an oasis of calm and beauty espoused on Zoroastrian...
Nairika Cornett: The Transformative Power of Art
Our dear friend Nairika Cornett speaks about the The Transformative Power of Art: Appreciating Art’s Range of Impact on a podcast with Phil Bonelli. If art were our mental diet, we’d be very healthy...
Parsis Protest Over Plans To Relocate Ranji Agiarry Fire From Falkland Road Fire Temple To Girgaum Shrine
Suggestion to shut down fire temple comes after former trustee of Bombay Parsi Punchayet wrote in community newspaper that community should sell off some of its 48 fire temples and use money from...