By Aakar Patel No Indian community internalised the civilising mission of the British as did the Parsis. Only 50,000 remain, mainly in South Bombay, the most disciplined and cultured part of India. In South Bombay, the cutting of lanes by drivers is punished, jumping a red light is impossible, parking is possible only in allotted… Continue reading The Parsis of South Bombay
Category: Heritage
Alls Well: Bhikha Behram Well in Fort Mumbai
The Parsi community may not be the biggest in terms of numbers, but when it comes to culture and heritage they have plenty to offer. The Bhika Behram Well in Fort, a Grade I heritage structure, is one such monument. The vast expanse of Cross Maidan was a matter of concern for travellers who came… Continue reading Alls Well: Bhikha Behram Well in Fort Mumbai
The journey of the holy fire
India’s western coastline boasts of vast stretches of untouched beaches dotted with gently swaying palm and coconut trees. It is also home to several imposing forts that have been witness to several invasions and migrations over the years. The pastOne of the most fascinating tales of immigrations is that of the Parsis, who came to… Continue reading The journey of the holy fire
Significance of Sudreh and Kusti
Sudra is a special shirt of nine seams worn just next to the skin made of cotton and white in colour and prepared from one whole piece of cloth. On such a Sudra round the waist is girded a kusti. The Mazdiyasnis before the advent of Zarthustra, used to put on sudra and… Continue reading Significance of Sudreh and Kusti
Fire temples burn bright
47 Parsi fire temples have finally made it to the heritage list. Labonita Ghosh looks at the struggle that led to this and some of the more unique agiaries that will find protection from rapacious builders The Maneckjee Navrojee Sett agiary in Fort is unlike a typical Parsi fire temple. Every inch of it is… Continue reading Fire temples burn bright
Sacred Space: Parsi New Year
On Ahura Mazda Ahura means the Lord Creator, and Mazda means Supremely Wise. This was the name by which Zarathushtra addressed his God. He proclaimed that there is only one God, who is the singular creative and sustaining force of the Universe. Zarathushtra was the first Prophet who brought a monotheistic religion. On Dualism Even… Continue reading Sacred Space: Parsi New Year
The First Dastur Meherji Rana
The below is an article from a newslist. This is a chapter written by Noshir H. Dadrewala. Earlier we errenously mentioned that the author was not known. We apologize for the error. The first Dastur Meherji Rana was the undisputed spiritual leader of the Parsi community in India during the 16th century. He was renowned… Continue reading The First Dastur Meherji Rana
