By Bachi Karkaria, Jug Suraiya’s Second Opinion (January 4) may be dead-on in blaming India’s ersatz modernity for what happened in Mumbai , but it is way off the mark in also damning the city’s migrant nature. As a theory, it may be impeccable to argue that morality and ethics, a sense of right and… Continue reading Migrants are Mumbai’s shapers, not its shame
Category: Customs
Tower of Silence, Zoroastrian charnel house
A Tower of Silence is the place where Zoroastrians laid their dead to rest in the life-giving power of the sun. Zarathustra is the ancient Persian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism 3500 years ago. The ancient creed which was the dominant religion during the Sassanid era greatly influenced other religions and is still practiced worldwide, especially… Continue reading Tower of Silence, Zoroastrian charnel house
Saal Mubarak
!! Saal Mubarak !! August 20th is the first day of the Parsi New Year. A time of happiness and rejoicing for all members of the small Parsi community, of which Shirrin and I are a part. This is one of my favorite days of the years. Memories of this day right through childhood included… Continue reading Saal Mubarak
Celebrating Parsi New Year
BY Rakshande Italia If I cherished one special day during the year, besides my birthday, it was the New Year – not Jan. 1, but a day in August when members of my tiny Zoroastrian community in Mumbai, India, celebrated the beginning of their calendar year. Colloquially referred as Parsi New Year, the day was… Continue reading Celebrating Parsi New Year
A Small but Mighty Religion; What we Believe: Zoroastrianism
Mehlli Bhagalia and his wife, Perin, tend a small flame in their home in Carlsbad. Bhagalia said the flame, safe in the fireplace, has been consecrated by the couple’s prayers and is only extinguished when the couple go away. Just as the cross and the star of David are symbols of Christianity and Judaism, the… Continue reading A Small but Mighty Religion; What we Believe: Zoroastrianism
The Persian king who is remembered every year
He was one of the most illustrious kings of ancient Iran (then called Persia) On 21st March, Parsis and Iranis the world over celebrate Jamshedi Navroze named after the Persian king Jamsheed of the Peshdadian dynasty who ascended the throne centuries ago on the day of the spring equinox. This day was deliberately chosen since… Continue reading The Persian king who is remembered every year
Persian New Year full of symbolism, savory foods
One of the world’s oldest cuisines is that of Persia. And with the coming of the Persian New Year, or Norouz, on March 21, now is a good time to discover the rich flavors and scents from this part of the world. With stews perfumed with cinnamon, mint and pomegranate; tender grilled kebabs of chicken… Continue reading Persian New Year full of symbolism, savory foods
