In her spartan office, Dhun Daraius Bagli is answering the third call in half an hour. The query is the same. So is her answer. “Sorry, we are full for December,” says Bagli, putting down the receiver. Bagli manages the Parsi Dharamshala at Parsi Anjuman near Delhi Gate — the hub of the community’s activities,… Continue reading Parsis : A Community and a battle for survival
Category: Issues
Parsis debate priest’s organ donation appeal
While most support it, a small section of orthodox Parsis are in opposition claiming the body belongs to god. By Jyoti Shelar | Mumbai Mirror A Parsi high priest’s appeal to donate organs has the community debating yet again – while a majority are in favour, a small section questions the right to donate parts… Continue reading Parsis debate priest’s organ donation appeal
Pakistani Zoroastrians Must Keep The Fire Ablaze
Funerals are the only constant for Zoroastrians in Pakistan. For a community of less than 1,800 — last recorded in 2006 in a research conducted by KE Eduljee — the announcement comes faithfully almost once every month. The timings are noted in chalk on a designated blackboard — one in almost every colony — and… Continue reading Pakistani Zoroastrians Must Keep The Fire Ablaze
Why Are Parsi Numbers Declining: A TV Report
NDTV one of the mainstream news channels in India does a detailed TV report as a follow up on the recent launch of the Jiyo Parsi advertisement campaign. The phenomenal Shernaz Cama, who heads PARZOR which administers the Jiyo Parsi scheme is part of the panel that discusses the issue. Along with her on the… Continue reading Why Are Parsi Numbers Declining: A TV Report
The dying profession of disposing of the dead
The gradual disappearance of vultures years ago almost led to the collapse of the Parsi ‘s doongerwadi system of disposing the dead. While the tradition now continues with the help of solar panels, the community may face yet another setback – a shortage of pallbearers. Article By Jyoti Shelar | Mumbai Mirror Pallbearers or khandias… Continue reading The dying profession of disposing of the dead
Why Delhi’s Parsis don’t want non-Parsi spouses in their cemetery
The community is likely to vote against a proposal to allow the husbands and wives of those who marry outside the faith to be buried in the Parsi graveyard. The Parsis – one of India’s smallest minorities – have been worried about their dwindling numbers for decades. But in Delhi, members are at the verge… Continue reading Why Delhi’s Parsis don’t want non-Parsi spouses in their cemetery
Ban on Priests: An Open Letter By Dinshaw Tamboly
Published herewith is a letter received from good friend of Parsi Khabar; and ex-BPP Trustee Mr. Dinshaw Tamboly. July 14, 2014 Trustees, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Mumbai. Ladies & Gentlemen, Re: Ban on Priests I have since some time now been following, what is uncouthly referred to in some community circles as “the renegade mobeds”… Continue reading Ban on Priests: An Open Letter By Dinshaw Tamboly
