Hidden behind Royapuram’s Indo-Saracenic facades and historic places of worship are stories of a neighbourhood shaped...
Heritage Articles
Historic Dadabhai Naoroji Portrait to Go on Display at UK’s National Portrait Gallery
A historic portrait of Dadabhai Naoroji — the Parsi nationalist leader who became Britain's first Asian MP — is set to...
Time travel with Meher Marfatia, Mumbai’s memory-keeper
Meher Marfatia is a city chronicler who captures Mumbai’s past and present in prose, photos, and videos, so future generations will always have this collective history to look back onMeher Marfatia...
Echoes in a Parsi attic: How a box of keepsakes opens story of early Jamshedpur via Mumbai
In 1935, Khurshed Maneckji Bharucha, the first Indian chief cashier of Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, borrowed ₹3.5 lakh from a friend who owned an island near Bombay. Soon, on an open ground at Bistupur...
The Iran League: Bombay’s bridge to Persia
In a creaking colonial building on DN Road, a group of volunteers works to keep alive the memory of a friendship between two nations — one that history, and geopolitics, seems poised to forgetOn the...
When Indore Was the City of Bicycles: Remembering N.C. Anklesaria & Company on World Bicycle Day
On World Bicycle Day, we look back at a charming chapter from Indore’s civic and commercial history, one in which the humble bicycle was not merely a mode of transport, but a symbol of aspiration,...
Finding Keki Gazdar: New exhibition traces the roots of an Indian Parsi family through its archives
It is easy to see why Joyona Medhi turns to cinema to describe her latest photobook and exhibition, Sparseeing. The launch of the book at the Cymroza Art Gallery last Friday marked the second leg of...
Iran’s ancient treasures face threat from bombing, scholars warn
The palace of Darius I at Persepolis / Alamy Damage to Iran’s world heritage sites Sir, We are deeply concerned not only about the humanitarian impact of the war in Iran but also about reports of...
Why a proposal to resettle Parsis in Iran in the 1940s never took off
In June 1947, as India stood on the brink of independence, sections of the Iranian press began publishing articles suggesting that Parsis would emigrate in large numbers from India to the land of...
The Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia Clock Tower Restored: A Legacy of Service, Craft, and Civic Collaboration
Built in 1882 by Bomanjee Hormarjee Wadia, this clock tower was a gift of service and foresight. Today, its legacy stands complete once more.Standing tall in Fort since 1882, the Bomanjee Hormarjee...
Only brick & mortar remain to narrate tale of Punjab’s Parsis
From Field Marshal Manekshaw to ‘Grand Old Lady’ Bhandari, philanthropic community has had a notable impact on state’s cultural tapestryThe residence of Tehmi ‘Bogga’ Bhandari that once hosted the...
The Parsi Legacy of Jamshedpur
The Parsi community’s connection with the steel city dates back to its earliest days. Following the establishment of the Tata Steel plant in 1907, the first group of Parsis arrived in Jamshedpur...
Now reopened, the Parsi Museum in Mumbai offers a compelling insight into Zoroastrianism
Pheroza Godrej, co-curator of the Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum, gives AD a special tour of the Parsi Museum in Mumbai.Recently restored with great discernment, the Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla...
Luxury Watches & Legacy | Aviva & Hormuz Pundole on 117 Years of C.T. Pundole
CT Pundole & Sons, India’s oldest watch retailer, has marked 117 years of trust, tradition, and expertise. In a city that has changed dramatically over the decades, CT Pundole has remained a...
An Enduring Hero: Remembering Dadabhai Naoroji on His 200th Birth Anniversary
Today September 4th, 2025 is the 200th birth anniversary of one of the greatest Indian’s ever to be born. Our dear friend and mentor Zerbanoo Gifford commemorates the birth and life of Dadabhai...
How the idea of paradise dates back to the ancient gardens of Persia
Some of the most enduring ancient myths in the Persian world were centred around gardens of almost unimaginable beauty and opulence.The biblical Garden of Eden and the Epic of Gilgamesh’s Garden of...
Seth Pestonji Meherji Dar-e-Meher: All you want to know about 178-year-old fire temple in Secunderabad
The Seth Viccaji Meherji and Seth Pestonji Meherji Dar-e-Meher is the oldest Parsi Fire Temple in Secunderabad. It was consecrated on 12th September 1847. It celebrated its 178th anniversary on 30...
The Bhuj House: Living legacy, one room at a time
Living legacy, one room at a timeAnil Mulchandani | New Indian ExpressStanding discreetly in Gujarat’s historic town of Bhuj is a five-room homestay that feels less like a getaway and more like a...
Looking for Parsi footprints in Delhi
From Kashmere Gate to South Delhi, the city's Parsi community marks 100 years of influence across the national capitalArticle by Vivek Shukla | The PatriotTucked inside the Parsi Anjuman is Delhi's...
Proud recreation of the Parsi past
Who were the dynamic duo of collectors who contributed rare finds to the city’s only centre dedicated to Zoroastrian history and culture? We find out more at the re-opening of the FD Alpaiwalla...
Re-Opening of the F D Alpaiwala Museum in Mumbai
Below is the video recording of the function to inaugurate the F D Alpaiwala Museum after the full restoration.
133-year-old Mumbai’s Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee school wins two honours in quick succession
Under the 'My School, Beautiful School' scheme, Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution, Charni Road, clinches third prize in Mumbai Division D Ward for Private & Unaided Schools,...
Rawalpindi Zoroastrian Cemetery: A Reflection of Parsis’ past glory
During the British rule, Rawalpindi was home to people from various religions. There were Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and even Zoroastrians. However, many left the city but their identity...
How Madam Bhikaiji Cama became the first Indian to raise the tricolour abroad
Born into privilege, Madam Cama could have enjoyed a life of ease. Instead, she founded the Paris Indian Society to support revolutionaries in exile and became the first Indian to hoist the...
Parsi cemetery tells tales of Rawalpindi’s rich past
Established in 1890, the historical landmark awaits authorities' attentionArticle by Qaiser Shirazi | Tribune PakistanRawalpindi, a city with a rich history spanning over centuries is home to...
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...
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...
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 LadiesIn 1980, Parsi ladies from the Time and Talents Club organised a concert with the rock band The Police...
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...
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 Delicacies,...
BMC Begins Work On Restoration Of Marine Drive’s ‘Parsi Gate’
The dismantling of the monument, built in the early 20th century by Parsi philanthropists, had created a furore in the Parsi-Zoroastrian community which uses the site for religious rituals...
Why Mumbai’s 300-year-old Bhikha Behram Well is more than just a sacred site for Zoroastrians
Why Mumbai's 300-year-old Bhikha Behram Well is more than just a sacred site for ZoroastriansA year short of turning 300, the Bhikha Behram Well in the heart of Churchgate is not only sacred to...
Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Dar-E-Meher in Secunderabad Wins INTACH Heritage Award
Khorshed S. Chenai the President-Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad & Hyderabad writes in to inform usWe are thrilled to announce that the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman...
Rattan Kunj–Talati Bungalow: One of last century-old seafront Seven Bungalows faces demolition
Natasha Patel writes….Throughout my life, I have spent countless man-hours explaining my building’s name to people - Talati Terrace. In a pool of new age, greek-god inspired Bombay building names...
A language for all ages: A dive into the language of Zoroastrians shows our connected roots
Mumbai University’s decision to open a centre to study Avestan and Pahlavi is as important for the Parsis as it for the rest of the communities Article By Kurush Dalal | Hindustan Times Ashem vohu...
Mumbai University To Launch Avesta Pahlavi Study Centre; Focus on Preserving, Promoting Parsi-Zoroastrian Culture
The university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Minority Affairs to start this special study centre in the university. Article by Dhairya Gajara | Free Press...
A forgotten link of Govadia heritage
Going back to the roots: an emotion in motionA forgotten link of Govadia heritageArticle by Adil J. GovadiaOur large 3-tiered family haveli (bungalow), built way back in 1887, is located in a small...
Mumbai Samachar, since 1822: Know about India’s oldest continuously published newspaper
Mumbai Samachar had its humble origins in the form of a handwritten weekly publication.Article by Khushboo Ali | KnocksenseMumbai Samachar stands as India's enduring beacon of information. Embarking...
Malcolm Baug hits a century!
Mumbai's Malcolm Baug, a Parsi colony, celebrated its centenary this year, with residents praising its serene atmosphere and self-contained amenities.Mumbai: Going past the many tabelas that...
BJPC Institute: Mumbai’s Parsi heritage school draws admiring glances after restoration
An elegant, historic school building opposite Charni Road railway station has been drawing admiring glances from train commuters after it was recently restored to its former glory. The 132-year-old...
Heritage Parsi Bhikha Behram Well In Churchgate Ready To Defy Monsoon Flooding
This fresh-water well, situated adjacent to Cross Maidan, holds significant historical and cultural value for Parsi-Zoroastrians and is a designated landmark on Mumbai's urban heritage list. Article...
Crumbling homes, vanished people—Gujarat Parsis stare at their roots turning into ghost towns
Udvada and Navsari towns in Gujarat were once home to a thriving Parsi community that is now rallying to increase its numbers, archive its history, safeguard its memories, and restore its records....
Pakistan: What happened to Zoroastrians in Karachi?
Karachi was once home to thousands of Parsis, followers of Zoroaster (Zarathustra), the spiritual founder of Zoroastrianism. Some of them still live in the city, but the future for their community...
Reverse Orientalism, Slander and the Origins of Bombay’s Once Fashionable Capitol Cinema
The theatre, now closed, began its life as the Gaiety for the upper crust of Bombay to see plays.The Victoria Terminus (today Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) is the undisputed highlight of any tour of...
Looted relics worth US$3.5 million on loan to New York’s Met museum returned to China
Stone carvings valued at more than US$3 million handed back after investigation into private art collectionThe artefacts were ripped from a seventh century tomb Article by Cyril Ip | South China...
The Parsi Graveyard in Lahore
Baalwala Explores A Secret Parsi Graveyard Located In Lahore That Very Few Know About.
Gujarat’s Legendary ‘Walking Mango Tree’ at Sanjan Village Where Parsis First Sought Asylum
Mango lovers all around the country wait impatiently for the mango to sweeten their tongues as summer approaches, but in Gujarat, Sanjan hamlet in Umargam taluka of Valsad district holds a special...
Bandian complex offers time travels to Sassanid era
An experience of traveling back in time to see magnificent examples of ancient plasterwork, bas-relief carvings, and other decorative elements is probably an unreachable dream.Bandian complex, a...
Rustom Baug in Byculla celebrates centenary year
Built by Bai Jerbai Wadia in memory of her late son, the residential colony, continues to be a ‘self-contained’ thriving community centre for 330 families Rustom Baug boasts of a library, gymnasium,...
Carrom and camaraderie in the colony
With Rustom Baug just hitting a century, we revisit other Parsi enclaves founded by the community’s visionaries It’s a privilege I haven’t had. Of living in a baug, that quaint yet quintessential...
Rustom Baug Is 100 Years Old
Well done, bawa! Rustom Baug smashes a tonne Byculla’s 32-building Parsi housing enclave set to celebrate 100th birthday with year-long events planned by grateful residentsBuildings are being lit up...