Warnings From Vanishing Vultures

Date

February 25, 2009

Post by

arZan

Category

Issues

KARACHI, Feb 25 (IPS/IFEJ) – “The thought of my carcass being pecked at by vultures isn’t at all pleasant,” said Bapsi Sidhwa, a leading Pakistani diasporic writer now living in the United States. She was referring to the ancient Parsi funerary rite of ‘sky burial’.

“There are many Parsis like me in Pakistan and in India who will be only too glad to see the last of this outmoded and impractical custom,” she told IPS. With vulture populations rapidly dwindling over the sub-continent, Sidhwa’s wish is already coming true.

Parsis are descendants of Iranian Zoroastrians who migrated to the Indian sub-continent over 1,000 years ago. Zoroastrians hold fire and earth to be sacred elements, not to be polluted by corpses.

Consequently, burial and cremation are unacceptable to Parsis and their dead are consigned to vultures by placing them on mountain tops or on specially built ‘Towers of Silence’.

“There are not enough vultures to eat the dead!” says Cyrus Cowasjee, who is in the shipping business. Some 15 years ago he had offered to set up a crematorium for his community in Karachi, but the proposal was shot down by the Parsi orthodoxy.
While an estimated 2,500 Parsis reside in Karachi, the biggest concentration of the community is in the Indian city of Mumbai where some 70,000 individuals live.

Apart from dread of the rite, Cowasjee and Sidhwa see impracticalities in leaving corpses to vultures in a congested metropolis like Karachi. ‘’One would like to be ecologically correct,’’ said Sidhwa. ‘’But the custom was not meant for populous cities.’’

Despite the shrinking population of Parsis in Pakistan – from the 10,000 at the time of independence from colonial rule in 1947 to the present 2,500 – Cowasjee says “there are still not sufficient birds to do the job”.

The problem is more serious in Mumbai where, on average, three Parsis die each day. The community there has had to set up giant solar reflectors to hasten decomposition of corpses on the Towers of Silence built there.

But Parsis are not the only people adversely affected by declining vultures. They form an important link in the food chain and also act as nature’s sanitisers – facts apparently recognised by Zoroastrians 3,000 years ago.

Their extinction, say environmentalists, may have enormous economic, cultural and health impacts. Two of the seven vulture species, the White-backed vulture and the Long-billed vulture, are already on the ‘critically endangered’ list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Munir Z. Virani, programme director in Africa of the U.S.-based The Peregrine Fund (TPF), which works to conserve birds of prey, said in an e-mail interview: “Every species is designed to occupy a specific ecological niche.’’

“Vultures are specialised feeders in the ecosystem with the ability to consume carcasses, within minutes, to the bone. Without vultures, these carcasses would rot and be taken over by disease – causing organisms that cause anthrax and botulism,” explained Virani.

The mystery of vanishing vultures over South Asia was cracked by Virani who led research in the Punjab province of Pakistan after the decline was first noted in 1997 by the prestigious Bombay Natural History Society, India.

“It was in April 2003 that we discovered that veterinary diclofenac was the main reason that white-backed vultures were dying,” said Virani, who is currently with the ornithology section in the National Museum of Kenya. Diclofenac is a painkiller commonly given to sick livestock.

While there may be other reasons for the vanishing vultures, Virani attributes the decline in South Asia to birds ingesting contaminated carcasses. “We collected dead vultures on a daily basis over four years, examining some 1,000 dead vultures,” said Virani.

TPF found that 80 percent of the dead birds had a condition called “visceral gout” in which a chalky white paste of uric acid engulfs internal organs. But the cause eluded the scientists who were baffled by the fact that there was no ready evidence of a pathogen.

The breakthrough came in December 2002 when a vulture died of gout in a U.S. zoo after being treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, said Virani. “Our survey showed that veterinary diclofenac was the most commonly used form of medication on cattle and caused gout in vultures resulting in their deaths.’’

By 2006 diclofenac was banned, but environmentalists fear that it is still being used across South Asia. “It is available in the smaller towns across the country,” confirmed Uzma Khan, manager at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Pakistan, talking to IPS from Lahore over phone.

“The WWF, along with IUCN and a few other non-governmental organisations, were very active in lobbying for the ban. We emphasised that the drug must be completely off the market. But we could not enforce the ban and hoped the government would support us,’’ said Khan.

Khan blames the easy availability of the drug on the “weak implementation” of the ban. “I’ve written to the ministry of health, to the provincial secretaries and to the drug control board, not just once but a number of times. I have never received so much as a confirmation or acknowledgement of receipt of my letter.”

To save the White-backed vulture, WWF set up a breeding aviary in Changa Manga, a planted forest, 70 km from Lahore.

“We have a flock of 11 and we’ve been able to pair off eight of them,” said Khan. The WWF hopes to capture around 20 pairs “although it is becoming exceedingly difficult for our field teams to sight these birds,’’ she said.

Khan is now pinning her hopes on a pair that has started nesting, though it may take another year before they start breeding – and four more years before chicks reach maturity. Vultures lay just one egg annually, but in captivity, if the egg is removed, they may lay a second one.

“There is still time to save the species, provided the region is cleansed of diclofenac,’’ said Khan.

But there are many hurdles, starting with resistance from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the drug. Shabbir Ahmed, general manager at Star Laboratories, a manufacturer, has filed a suit against the ban on diclofenac. “We’re not going to rest till we can get the drug back in the market,” he said, talking with IPS over phone from Lahore.

Ahmed calls the TPF’s research findings erroneous. “The decline in vulture population is because there are no carcasses around for them to feed on. Today even carcasses are valuable and skins and bones fetch good prices.’’

Ahmed said even if veterinary diclofenac is banned, use of the drugs by humans will continue.

That is a worry shared by Khan. She said it was important that the use of the alternate drug ‘meloxicam’ be encouraged. “It’s slightly more expensive, but if used on a large scale the price will come down.”

Meloxicam is already being used successfully in Nepal where it has been found to be harmless to vultures. Another borrowing from Nepal is the ‘vulture restaurant’, set up at Kawasoti, about 100 km southwest of Kathmandu, that provides non-toxic cattle carcasses for hungry vultures.

Pakistan’s Dharti Development Society, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with United Nation Development Programme’s Global Environment Facility, plans to establish a vulture restaurant in the mountainous Karonjhar area in Sindh province.

“Vulture mortality can be reduced significantly if the birds are fed with diclofenac-free food,” said Virani.

But, said Virani, vulture restaurants can, at best, serve as a “stop-gap measure” and cannot be the “real solution” to conserving the large, ungainly birds. For one thing, he said, they are effective only when the birds are breeding. “Because they have chicks to feed they are tied down to the nest.”

Once the breeding season is over, the vultures scatter over a wide range and it becomes difficult to stop them from getting to contaminated carcasses.

Virani left Pakistan “because there were no more vultures to monitor”. “I am afraid your government let the vultures down. They didn’t act on time!” said Virani.
But there is hope in the increasingly frequent sightings of the two endangered vulture species in Karonjhar.

(*This story is part of a series of features on sustainable development by IPS – Inter Press Service and IFEJ – International Federation of Environmental Journalists, for the Alliance of Communicators for Sustainable Development)

Original article here.

63 Comments

  1. Zubin

    If this “dwindling vultures” problem had plagued our community 150 years back, I’m sure our forefathers would have thought of ingenious ways of strengthening the system and bringing the vultures back. Sadly, the ‘Cowasjees and Sidhwas’ of today have no such vision. Born in charity hospitals and raised in charity houses, their entrepreneur spirit is all but lost. All we have left now are empty cliche’s for “change”.

  2. Zubin

    If this “dwindling vultures” problem had plagued our community 150 years back, I’m sure our forefathers would have thought of ingenious ways of strengthening the system and bringing the vultures back. Sadly, the ‘Cowasjees and Sidhwas’ of today have no such vision. Born in charity hospitals and raised in charity houses, their entrepreneur spirit is all but lost. All we have left now are empty cliche’s for “change”.

  3. Siloo Kapadia

    I totally agree. The entire custom is barbaric and should be done away with. I have no problem being cremated, and neither do any of my Parsi friends that I have spoken with. In that light, I think we in North America are more enlightened than many of those in South Asia.

    I only hope that they do away with those smelly vultures. Chee! Wass-e-wass!

  4. Siloo Kapadia

    I totally agree. The entire custom is barbaric and should be done away with. I have no problem being cremated, and neither do any of my Parsi friends that I have spoken with. In that light, I think we in North America are more enlightened than many of those in South Asia.

    I only hope that they do away with those smelly vultures. Chee! Wass-e-wass!

  5. puff

    Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –“Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells. If you wish to get cremated thats your personal choice but you have absolutely no right to pass a remark such as the one above that hurts the sentiments of those who propose the Dakhma system.

  6. puff

    Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –“Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells. If you wish to get cremated thats your personal choice but you have absolutely no right to pass a remark such as the one above that hurts the sentiments of those who propose the Dakhma system.

  7. Anti-Dhongidox.

    Bloggers who want to show off as busybodies by proclaiming
    “We have better things to do, than read this childish exchange after a hard day’s work.” need to think twice.
    After a hard day’s work a person will seek relaxation, go for a walk, watch a movie ,etc AND NOT scan 11 month old articles of Parsi Khabar.(unless he/she has singular mission as an armchair critic.) Perhaps the person who uttered this got mixed up with words hard and hardly. He/She may be implying as “hardly a days work”.

  8. saf

    “It is the dead body that rots and putrifies”

    Puff … any idea why the dead bodies rot and get purified at Dakhma?

    – Saroush

  9. Anti-Dhongidox.

    Bloggers who want to show off as busybodies by proclaiming
    “We have better things to do, than read this childish exchange after a hard day’s work.” need to think twice.
    After a hard day’s work a person will seek relaxation, go for a walk, watch a movie ,etc AND NOT scan 11 month old articles of Parsi Khabar.(unless he/she has singular mission as an armchair critic.) Perhaps the person who uttered this got mixed up with words hard and hardly. He/She may be implying as “hardly a days work”.

  10. rustom jamasji

    “A crematorium should not be sited close to a neighborhood.” — Dr. Veerle Willaeys, resident in community medicine, University of British Columbia

    “Crematoria should not be located in residential neighborhoods.” — Dr. Perry Kendall, chief medical health officer for British Columbia

    “Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2008

    “[M]etallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms because more mercury in [this] form reaches the brain.” — United States Centers for Disease Control, 2005

    (The risk of stillbirth and some abnormalities may be slightly increased among babies of mothers living near incinerators and crematoria, suggests research by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

    The risk of stillbirth was 4% higher and the risk of the life threatening brain abnormality anencephalus was 5% higher among babies whose mothers lived near to crematoria. )
    From http://www.ejnet.org/crematoria/health.html

    Bapsy Sidhwa and Cyrus Cowasjee should atleast study adverse condition in a practise before preaching a change…

    Lets look at articles that show the dangers of Pacemakers exploding in crematoriums..

    Then we have the vast ecological damage done by mercury vapours released thru crematoriums due to dental fillings..The damage is sovast just by a single filling…and the whole ecological change is demaged..The bigger the fish in the food chain..the bigger the damage..

    According to the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) statistics, and assuming death rates in the county stay stable, Smith Funeral Home will be performing over 100 cremations per year by 2025, almost all of which will emit mercury from amalgam fillings.

    Poisoning from inhaled metallic mercury can occur after a chronic, low-level exposure. Three cardinal signs of this type of exposure are excitability (erethism), tremors, and gingivitis. Vaporized metallic mercury also can cause toxic effects to the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, lungs, muscle, liver, blood cell count, skin and eyes, fertility, and immune system. The human fetus and small children are more likely to concentrate mercury in the developing brain and kidneys. Adults are affected less, but likewise can be poisoned over the long term.=== From
    http://sites.google.com/site/grinnellcremationresearch/

    Burials…

    It is common fact that EXPOSURE TO AIR is twice as FAST Than when in water and upto 8 times FASTER IN AIR than when buried. Deeper burials increase the decomposition time and formation of Adiasporce a chemical further exagerates the decomposition time..

    And thus massive space crunch and layering of bodies..
    One such artice..
    http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3628464

    We had a ‘thinking Diaspora whch consisted of people who flew the aden fire to India in a plane..in the 70’s…what wud have been Sidhwa’s and Cowasjee’s plan to not succumb to the islamicsation of Aden n thus shutting down or extinguishing a consecrated Zoroastrian fire..it even meant to show the world that a minuscle community would not bow down to threats….

    I urge Sidhwa n cowasjee to atleast go thru the scientific approach in a paper titles Dakhmanishini in Light of Modern Science by a Dr who had His PhD in organic chemistry from Philadelphia University and was a Group Director of Health Physics Division and Chemical Group at BARC.
    http://tenets.zoroastrianism.com/karkhan33.html

  11. rustom jamasji

    “A crematorium should not be sited close to a neighborhood.” — Dr. Veerle Willaeys, resident in community medicine, University of British Columbia

    “Crematoria should not be located in residential neighborhoods.” — Dr. Perry Kendall, chief medical health officer for British Columbia

    “Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2008

    “[M]etallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms because more mercury in [this] form reaches the brain.” — United States Centers for Disease Control, 2005

    (The risk of stillbirth and some abnormalities may be slightly increased among babies of mothers living near incinerators and crematoria, suggests research by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

    The risk of stillbirth was 4% higher and the risk of the life threatening brain abnormality anencephalus was 5% higher among babies whose mothers lived near to crematoria. )
    From http://www.ejnet.org/crematoria/health.html

    Bapsy Sidhwa and Cyrus Cowasjee should atleast study adverse condition in a practise before preaching a change…

    Lets look at articles that show the dangers of Pacemakers exploding in crematoriums..

    Then we have the vast ecological damage done by mercury vapours released thru crematoriums due to dental fillings..The damage is sovast just by a single filling…and the whole ecological change is demaged..The bigger the fish in the food chain..the bigger the damage..

    According to the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) statistics, and assuming death rates in the county stay stable, Smith Funeral Home will be performing over 100 cremations per year by 2025, almost all of which will emit mercury from amalgam fillings.

    Poisoning from inhaled metallic mercury can occur after a chronic, low-level exposure. Three cardinal signs of this type of exposure are excitability (erethism), tremors, and gingivitis. Vaporized metallic mercury also can cause toxic effects to the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, lungs, muscle, liver, blood cell count, skin and eyes, fertility, and immune system. The human fetus and small children are more likely to concentrate mercury in the developing brain and kidneys. Adults are affected less, but likewise can be poisoned over the long term.=== From
    http://sites.google.com/site/grinnellcremationresearch/

    Burials…

    It is common fact that EXPOSURE TO AIR is twice as FAST Than when in water and upto 8 times FASTER IN AIR than when buried. Deeper burials increase the decomposition time and formation of Adiasporce a chemical further exagerates the decomposition time..

    And thus massive space crunch and layering of bodies..
    One such artice..
    http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3628464

    We had a ‘thinking Diaspora whch consisted of people who flew the aden fire to India in a plane..in the 70’s…what wud have been Sidhwa’s and Cowasjee’s plan to not succumb to the islamicsation of Aden n thus shutting down or extinguishing a consecrated Zoroastrian fire..it even meant to show the world that a minuscle community would not bow down to threats….

    I urge Sidhwa n cowasjee to atleast go thru the scientific approach in a paper titles Dakhmanishini in Light of Modern Science by a Dr who had His PhD in organic chemistry from Philadelphia University and was a Group Director of Health Physics Division and Chemical Group at BARC.
    http://tenets.zoroastrianism.com/karkhan33.html

  12. saf

    HaaaHaaa anti-Dhongee…that was a good one :)

  13. puff

    Hey Saf

    That is news to me.–> why the dead bodies rot and get purified at Dakhma ?

    Do they ? some new quote from the Gathas ? Do let us have a slice of this wonderful knowledge.

    Dhongi —> Can you submit a list of all your “objections” to arZan ?

  14. piloo.

    “Parsi Khabar will not terminate your membership if you stop posting for one day or 15 days”
    One should learn to practice what one propagates.
    DIAGNOSIS: SELECTIVE AMNESIA.

  15. puff

    Hey Saf

    That is news to me.–> why the dead bodies rot and get purified at Dakhma ?

    Do they ? some new quote from the Gathas ? Do let us have a slice of this wonderful knowledge.

    Dhongi —> Can you submit a list of all your “objections” to arZan ?

  16. piloo.

    “Parsi Khabar will not terminate your membership if you stop posting for one day or 15 days”
    One should learn to practice what one propagates.
    DIAGNOSIS: SELECTIVE AMNESIA.

  17. piloo.

    SAF,
    Waste of time expecting an answer from a fuddy duddy. He can not follow basic rules of English and assumes that all that is said are taunts that are directed at him. Seems to have a guilt conscience.
    He assumes that my post of 23rd which was addressed to all was addressed to him in particular.Ha. Judges others by his own standard of intellect.
    Soon he will change his alias.
    And SAF can you tell me why there are Tombs of Darius and other Persian Kings. Was burial meant only for aristocracy?

  18. puff

    Piloo —->20 February 2010 at 8:53 am wrote
    “Lastly, I fully agree with your quote ““Never Argue With An Idiot, first he will lower u till his level and then beat u with his experience”, I will practice this ’saying’. For that reason this will be my last reply.”

    Since you continue your dialogue with me even as of today 24th February, I understand you have fallen in love with me as I am more intelligent than you. Just hope you belong to the opposite sex as I am straight. You and Dhongi are my daily “Nasto”, only trouble is I have it at night after returning from work. This place would have been so dull if you two were not on this portal.

  19. saf

    yedda Puff, lemme remind you it was YOU who said, ‘the dead bodies rots and putrifies’ not me…
    Read your own reply to Siloo-
    “Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –”Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells.”

    So do enlighten us why do bodies rot and get putrified at Dakhma ?

  20. piloo.

    SAF,
    Waste of time expecting an answer from a fuddy duddy. He can not follow basic rules of English and assumes that all that is said are taunts that are directed at him. Seems to have a guilt conscience.
    He assumes that my post of 23rd which was addressed to all was addressed to him in particular.Ha. Judges others by his own standard of intellect.
    Soon he will change his alias.
    And SAF can you tell me why there are Tombs of Darius and other Persian Kings. Was burial meant only for aristocracy?

  21. NEMESIS

    Frankly to an independent observer Puff seems to contradict himself. He addresses Anti Dhongee and piloo by saying that “You and Dhongi are my daily “Nasto”, only trouble is I have it at night after returning from work. This place would have been so dull if you two were not on this portal”
    Q.Is the breakfast too chilly that at the same time he posts a complaint addressed which reads as follows:
    One wonders why he/she complains despite being provided “Nasto” Read the following post.:
    “puff 24 February 2010 at 8:42 pm #
    @Jamshed H. Bastani,
    Respected Sir, this is nothing. U shud read the type of abuses and insults heaped on us the Ortho-dox by the deformist group leader Dhongi-dox and his bandwagon.In the previous forum he had praised the vigilant Parsis, now he takes a U turn and condemns them. For those of you who feel there was vandalism, people were hurt and furniture was broken kindly have a look at the photographs. Exaggeration has its limit.”

    2.Tell us the date of photographs. Were photos taken before the vandalism or after and if after then how many days after.

    You established how ‘clever’ you are.Thats plainspeak.

  22. NEMESIS

    Frankly to an independent observer Puff seems to contradict himself. He addresses Anti Dhongee and piloo by saying that “You and Dhongi are my daily “Nasto”, only trouble is I have it at night after returning from work. This place would have been so dull if you two were not on this portal”
    Q.Is the breakfast too chilly that at the same time he posts a complaint addressed which reads as follows:
    One wonders why he/she complains despite being provided “Nasto” Read the following post.:
    “puff 24 February 2010 at 8:42 pm #
    @Jamshed H. Bastani,
    Respected Sir, this is nothing. U shud read the type of abuses and insults heaped on us the Ortho-dox by the deformist group leader Dhongi-dox and his bandwagon.In the previous forum he had praised the vigilant Parsis, now he takes a U turn and condemns them. For those of you who feel there was vandalism, people were hurt and furniture was broken kindly have a look at the photographs. Exaggeration has its limit.”

    2.Tell us the date of photographs. Were photos taken before the vandalism or after and if after then how many days after.

    You established how ‘clever’ you are.Thats plainspeak.

  23. ANTI - Dhongidox.

    Thanks Nemesis for your keen sense of observation. I overlooked this blatant contradiction.
    If this blogger assumes that he/she will be able to silence my criticism of hypocrites and their double speak by such tactics, he/she is sadly mistaken. Such attempts to ridicule only redoubles my determination to expose such bum Dhongis.
    It only exposes his/her frustrations at his/her mental DISABILITY in logically countering my points.
    Yeah, if indeed he/she really enjoyed at my posts why moan and complain like a K.G. class pupil about the caustic language of my post.Unlike him/her, I do not use perverted phrases against unknown bloggers/persons.And he/she is definitely NOT obliging others by earning his living. All work to earn a living. And lastly I am not a parasite living in a Charity Block..

  24. ANTI - Dhongidox.

    Thanks Nemesis for your keen sense of observation. I overlooked this blatant contradiction.
    If this blogger assumes that he/she will be able to silence my criticism of hypocrites and their double speak by such tactics, he/she is sadly mistaken. Such attempts to ridicule only redoubles my determination to expose such bum Dhongis.
    It only exposes his/her frustrations at his/her mental DISABILITY in logically countering my points.
    Yeah, if indeed he/she really enjoyed at my posts why moan and complain like a K.G. class pupil about the caustic language of my post.Unlike him/her, I do not use perverted phrases against unknown bloggers/persons.And he/she is definitely NOT obliging others by earning his living. All work to earn a living. And lastly I am not a parasite living in a Charity Block..

  25. saf

    Anyway piloo, im going to frame this comment about bodies rotting in Dakhma by appro Chicken Puff Pervez Avaara who has generously offered himself as our Naasto.

    Regarding building of tombs and excavation of burial grounds in Iran…it bores holes in whole concept of Dakhma method as the only method prescribed by none other than Ahura Mazda in Z’ism… Obviously if there is one God-Ahura Mazda, why would he get offended if Zoroastrians apply other methods of disposing their death…but look the other way when nonmuslims that comprises 99% of world’s population cremate or bury their death??

  26. puff

    Saf, you have a bad habit of putting words in other people’s mouth.
    Have I written the statement “and get purified at Dakhma ” ? Pls copy-paste this if you can find it anywhere.
    Nemesis the outcaste, keep out of Parsi affairs, we know how to solve our own problems and dont require external help or advice.
    Piloo, cant you read simple English –
    “Lastly, I fully agree with your quote “”Never Argue With An Idiot, first he will lower u till his level and then beat u with his experience”, I will practice this ‘saying’. For that reason this will be my last reply.”
    Whose quote did you agree with ? For whom will this be your last reply ? The name “Puff” was mentioned at the start of your mail. I guess you are feeling nervous now that the skeletons keep tumblinng out of your cupboard. Have a chilled beer and relax !

  27. saf

    Anyway piloo, im going to frame this comment about bodies rotting in Dakhma by appro Chicken Puff Pervez Avaara who has generously offered himself as our Naasto.

    Regarding building of tombs and excavation of burial grounds in Iran…it bores holes in whole concept of Dakhma method as the only method prescribed by none other than Ahura Mazda in Z’ism… Obviously if there is one God-Ahura Mazda, why would he get offended if Zoroastrians apply other methods of disposing their death…but look the other way when nonmuslims that comprises 99% of world’s population cremate or bury their death??

  28. puff

    Saf, you have a bad habit of putting words in other people’s mouth.
    Have I written the statement “and get purified at Dakhma ” ? Pls copy-paste this if you can find it anywhere.
    Nemesis the outcaste, keep out of Parsi affairs, we know how to solve our own problems and dont require external help or advice.
    Piloo, cant you read simple English –
    “Lastly, I fully agree with your quote ““Never Argue With An Idiot, first he will lower u till his level and then beat u with his experience”, I will practice this ’saying’. For that reason this will be my last reply.”
    Whose quote did you agree with ? For whom will this be your last reply ? The name “Puff” was mentioned at the start of your mail. I guess you are feeling nervous now that the skeletons keep tumblinng out of your cupboard. Have a chilled beer and relax !

  29. piloo.

    Anti Dhongi, SAF , Nemesis,
    I am trembling, reading Dagwood Bumstead of Blondie and Beetle Bailey. If any of you know any skeleton in my cupboard, please reveal them ASAP.
    ROFLMAO.
    NEMESIS, I join Anti Dhongidox in complimenting you .Do keep putting up your thought provoking messages.

  30. piloo.

    Anti Dhongi, SAF , Nemesis,
    I am trembling, reading Dagwood Bumstead of Blondie and Beetle Bailey. If any of you know any skeleton in my cupboard, please reveal them ASAP.
    ROFLMAO.
    NEMESIS, I join Anti Dhongidox in complimenting you .Do keep putting up your thought provoking messages.

  31. Behram Dhabhar

    Piloo on 24 February 2010 at 11:52 pm # you asked :
    “And SAF can you tell me why there are Tombs of Darius and other Persian Kings. Was burial meant only for aristocracy?”

    This question was also asked in the Q-A column of Dini Avaz July 1997 Vol 22 No.4.
    The Question asked in the issue is : In ancient Iran Dokhmenashini was not followed by all Iranians, burial was also there. Greek Philosophers have pointed out this especially in the case of Achemenian Reign.

    Refer to Pg.7 – 10 for a detailed answer

  32. Behram Dhabhar

    Piloo on 24 February 2010 at 11:52 pm # you asked :
    “And SAF can you tell me why there are Tombs of Darius and other Persian Kings. Was burial meant only for aristocracy?”

    This question was also asked in the Q-A column of Dini Avaz July 1997 Vol 22 No.4.
    The Question asked in the issue is : In ancient Iran Dokhmenashini was not followed by all Iranians, burial was also there. Greek Philosophers have pointed out this especially in the case of Achemenian Reign.

    Refer to Pg.7 – 10 for a detailed answer

  33. saf

    Chicken Puff you have the habit of shooting yourself In the foot

    Here are your own words-

    “Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –”Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells. ”

    And so what if Nemesis is a nonZoro… She/He has all the rights to comment here unless you have any proof to show this blog belongs to you…

    Piloo, i can’t believe this… Chicken Puff is actually admitting he is an IDIOT…And we are wasting time with him… ROTFLMAO :D!!

    ANYWAY SO ROTTEN PUTREFIED CHICKEN PUFF…I’M SAVING THIS VALUABLE QUOTE BY YOU FOR FUTURE REFERENCE…:)

  34. saf

    Chicken Puff you have the habit of shooting yourself In the foot

    Here are your own words-

    “Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –”Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells. ”

    And so what if Nemesis is a nonZoro… She/He has all the rights to comment here unless you have any proof to show this blog belongs to you…

    Piloo, i can’t believe this… Chicken Puff is actually admitting he is an IDIOT…And we are wasting time with him… ROTFLMAO :D!!

    ANYWAY SO ROTTEN PUTREFIED CHICKEN PUFF…I’M SAVING THIS VALUABLE QUOTE BY YOU FOR FUTURE REFERENCE…:)

  35. NEMESIS.

    SAF.
    Does likes of Puff even know the meaning of the word outcaste? Probably, what this person wanted to say ‘parjaat’ That’s what happens with those of 1960’s generation who went to Municipal run Schools when they express in the language from Self Teacher English.
    From the nonsense that this person posts, I think the person is in under treatment of Psychiatrists and has been allowed use of Internet in the hope of recovery. I am sure this person is not going to improve/recover but if we continue reading and replyinging his/her messages, we are ALL sure to occupy beds in the adjoining Ward.
    Besides, of course our capacity to express in English will be ruined.

  36. piloo.

    Behram,
    What is the authenticity and credibility of whatsoever is stated in Dini Awaz? It comprises of views of the author. So why should any rational person with his/her mental faculties of reasoning intact rely on the contents of Dini Awaz.?

    IN FACT THERE ARE MANY THINGS STATED IN VARIOUS ISSUES OF THIS PUBLICATION like those Athornans who have removed their beard can NOTperform Pav Mahal Ceremony. How many Athornans who now perform Pav Mahal sport beard?. In fact some “High’ Priests themselves display clean shaven faces.
    Similarly, as per Dini Avaz, the bare feet of the priests should not touch the ground. Does that actually happen.?
    If priestly class itself does not implement what the mouthpiece of fundamentalists states, why expect the laity to repose faith in such publications?
    Many like me believe in asking WHY AND HOW of all historical evidences and make inferences based on common sense and not what somebody ‘interpreted’ in the 20th Century. The Tombs in Iran are archaeological evidences and so those who continuously emphasized on archaeology to be a source cannot now discount it.
    Sorry for plain speaking but if one were to practice all “Tenets’ as mentioned in Dini Avaz then one will have to live a life of an hermit.

  37. NEMESIS.

    SAF.
    Does likes of Puff even know the meaning of the word outcaste? Probably, what this person wanted to say ‘parjaat’ That’s what happens with those of 1960’s generation who went to Municipal run Schools when they express in the language from Self Teacher English.
    From the nonsense that this person posts, I think the person is in under treatment of Psychiatrists and has been allowed use of Internet in the hope of recovery. I am sure this person is not going to improve/recover but if we continue reading and replyinging his/her messages, we are ALL sure to occupy beds in the adjoining Ward.
    Besides, of course our capacity to express in English will be ruined.

  38. piloo.

    Behram,
    What is the authenticity and credibility of whatsoever is stated in Dini Awaz? It comprises of views of the author. So why should any rational person with his/her mental faculties of reasoning intact rely on the contents of Dini Awaz.?

    IN FACT THERE ARE MANY THINGS STATED IN VARIOUS ISSUES OF THIS PUBLICATION like those Athornans who have removed their beard can NOTperform Pav Mahal Ceremony. How many Athornans who now perform Pav Mahal sport beard?. In fact some “High’ Priests themselves display clean shaven faces.
    Similarly, as per Dini Avaz, the bare feet of the priests should not touch the ground. Does that actually happen.?
    If priestly class itself does not implement what the mouthpiece of fundamentalists states, why expect the laity to repose faith in such publications?
    Many like me believe in asking WHY AND HOW of all historical evidences and make inferences based on common sense and not what somebody ‘interpreted’ in the 20th Century. The Tombs in Iran are archaeological evidences and so those who continuously emphasized on archaeology to be a source cannot now discount it.
    Sorry for plain speaking but if one were to practice all “Tenets’ as mentioned in Dini Avaz then one will have to live a life of an hermit.

  39. rustom jamasji

    I am still waiting for this so called highly modern group (though it thinks archeological evidence is debris etc etc) to ask others to shut eyes to the ill effects of cremation and burial…after all havent they?

    A crematorium should not be sited close to a neighborhood.” — Dr. Veerle Willaeys, resident in community medicine, University of British Columbia

    “Crematoria should not be located in residential neighborhoods.” — Dr. Perry Kendall, chief medical health officer for British Columbia

    “Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2008

    “[M]etallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms because more mercury in [this] form reaches the brain.” — United States Centers for Disease Control, 2005

    (The risk of stillbirth and some abnormalities may be slightly increased among babies of mothers living near incinerators and crematoria, suggests research by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

    The risk of stillbirth was 4% higher and the risk of the life threatening brain abnormality anencephalus was 5% higher among babies whose mothers lived near to crematoria. )
    From http://www.ejnet.org/crematoria/health.html

    According to the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) statistics, and assuming death rates in the county stay stable, Smith Funeral Home will be performing over 100 cremations per year by 2025, almost all of which will emit mercury from amalgam fillings.

    Poisoning from inhaled metallic mercury can occur after a chronic, low-level exposure. Three cardinal signs of this type of exposure are excitability (erethism), tremors, and gingivitis. Vaporized metallic mercury also can cause toxic effects to the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, lungs, muscle, liver, blood cell count, skin and eyes, fertility, and immune system. The human fetus and small children are more likely to concentrate mercury in the developing brain and kidneys. Adults are affected less, but likewise can be poisoned over the long term.=== From
    http://sites.google.com/site/grinnellcremationresearch/

  40. rustom jamasji

    I am still waiting for this so called highly modern group (though it thinks archeological evidence is debris etc etc) to ask others to shut eyes to the ill effects of cremation and burial…after all havent they?

    A crematorium should not be sited close to a neighborhood.” — Dr. Veerle Willaeys, resident in community medicine, University of British Columbia

    “Crematoria should not be located in residential neighborhoods.” — Dr. Perry Kendall, chief medical health officer for British Columbia

    “Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2008

    “[M]etallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms because more mercury in [this] form reaches the brain.” — United States Centers for Disease Control, 2005

    (The risk of stillbirth and some abnormalities may be slightly increased among babies of mothers living near incinerators and crematoria, suggests research by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

    The risk of stillbirth was 4% higher and the risk of the life threatening brain abnormality anencephalus was 5% higher among babies whose mothers lived near to crematoria. )
    From http://www.ejnet.org/crematoria/health.html

    According to the Cremation Association of North America’s (CANA) statistics, and assuming death rates in the county stay stable, Smith Funeral Home will be performing over 100 cremations per year by 2025, almost all of which will emit mercury from amalgam fillings.

    Poisoning from inhaled metallic mercury can occur after a chronic, low-level exposure. Three cardinal signs of this type of exposure are excitability (erethism), tremors, and gingivitis. Vaporized metallic mercury also can cause toxic effects to the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, lungs, muscle, liver, blood cell count, skin and eyes, fertility, and immune system. The human fetus and small children are more likely to concentrate mercury in the developing brain and kidneys. Adults are affected less, but likewise can be poisoned over the long term.=== From
    http://sites.google.com/site/grinnellcremationresearch/

  41. a.rustoimjee

    “I am still waiting for this so called highly modern group (though it thinks archeological evidence is debris etc etc) to ask others to shut eyes to the ill effects of cremation and burial…after all havent they?”

    Some megalomaniacs day dream that NONE contradict them. Besides Cremation, burial is an option for the Community and Aramghas are are a testimony to the practice amongst Zoroastrians.
    What are ill effects of burial?
    When a person walks,often a stray dog starts barking. Would any sensible person stop walking and answer back by barking back.

  42. a.rustoimjee

    “I am still waiting for this so called highly modern group (though it thinks archeological evidence is debris etc etc) to ask others to shut eyes to the ill effects of cremation and burial…after all havent they?”

    Some megalomaniacs day dream that NONE contradict them. Besides Cremation, burial is an option for the Community and Aramghas are are a testimony to the practice amongst Zoroastrians.
    What are ill effects of burial?
    When a person walks,often a stray dog starts barking. Would any sensible person stop walking and answer back by barking back.

  43. ANTI - Dhongidox.

    Piloo,
    DINI AWAZ is a publication too.And according to this blogger himself, RELIGION cannot be mastered by reading books, websites or lectures.
    And yet we are expected to rely on a publication. It is time that those who are sincere in preserving our Religion apply their minds carefully before jumping on the key board of their laptops.Double talk is all pervasive amongst the self crowned SAVIOURS.

  44. ANTI - Dhongidox.

    Piloo,
    DINI AWAZ is a publication too.And according to this blogger himself, RELIGION cannot be mastered by reading books, websites or lectures.
    And yet we are expected to rely on a publication. It is time that those who are sincere in preserving our Religion apply their minds carefully before jumping on the key board of their laptops.Double talk is all pervasive amongst the self crowned SAVIOURS.

  45. Adarbahman

    Recent  messages of Rustom  on current pages of Parsi Khabar appear to be a cut paste job from here. .i.e. 2009 February.

  46. Adarbahman

    Recent  messages of Rustom  on current pages of Parsi Khabar appear to be a cut paste job from here. .i.e. 2009 February.

  47. Adarbahman

    Recent  messages of Rustom  on current pages of Parsi Khabar appear to be a cut paste job from here. .i.e. 2009 February.

  48. Rustom

    Adarbahman..recent comments from rustom were put by rustom here years ago again showcasing the same…that the mantra that change is unconditional and always good is not true and also that other systems have their own problems..Also the same are not written by me in newspaper and others but by other people which have been linked here….and you have a problem with that….so if i link the bundaishn, avesta or denkard, or science journal’s or history, you’ll debunk that or try and create some sort of achivement like sherlock found out something….
    In any case…maybe sherlock will get in eventually get it that the point is science showcasing certain facts that the anti dakhma want to close eyes to.

  49. Rustom

    Adarbahman..recent comments from rustom were put by rustom here years ago again showcasing the same…that the mantra that change is unconditional and always good is not true and also that other systems have their own problems..Also the same are not written by me in newspaper and others but by other people which have been linked here….and you have a problem with that….so if i link the bundaishn, avesta or denkard, or science journal’s or history, you’ll debunk that or try and create some sort of achivement like sherlock found out something….
    In any case…maybe sherlock will get in eventually get it that the point is science showcasing certain facts that the anti dakhma want to close eyes to.

  50. Contradhongi

    Adar, This fellow can never reply cogently/point-wise. For that what is required is facts and when facts are otherwise this chap will indulge in rigmarole. Have you questioned Avesta or Dinkard. No. So Why he makes reference to such texts. Because he has no logical answer to your remark about his cut paste job. Thats why.

  51. Pashjehan

    They can chose to go by Fire, and he under dirt lie down and lay
    Let me go the way i want to, Silently on a Tower one day.

    For all the creatures of the Almighty do it, the Fish, the the beasts and birds

    They all lay down on the good earth, when their time has come,
    And He removes them fine, every single one.

    No filth or smell remains, of their shabby souls,
    Nor grime or juice or grit….just a few dehydrated bones.
    No man comes lights their fire, nor pours dust or stone on them .
    So who are we to judge and who are we to c ondemn.

    So who are we sogreat…who need edifices of stone…?
    Or bonfires to burn purge us, in our final time alone.?
    Let us be remembered, for the life we lived,
    Who we helped and loved and embraced and who we forgived
    Not by fancy headstones and nor by Ashen Urns….
    Or edifices of stone and earth…or realatives’s concerns.

    For its busy time once we are gone….so much to do to be born to better birth.
    Dont think we’ve escaped for good or seen last of this earth.

    For the story my friend is not over, when earthly chapter is done,
    For lawyer, liar, great Doctor and pauper in His eyes, all are one.

    We who have judged, he will judge us, and His judgement will be pronounced.
    Believer, athiest it matters not, our dreadful Deeds will be denounced.

    Every good deed n thought and action, will reap a rich reward.
    Another lifetime without hardship or pain……a good life a good heart.

    So all that you squabble for, its really of no use.
    If u choose, do by fire go but do politely see,
    Just because you choose another way, doesnt make you better that me !

    To each his own they say, so go choose your own way……let me go mine. Dont get in my way, i wont get in thine…..

    Dont ctry to change anothers

  52. Contradhongi

    Adar, This fellow can never reply cogently/point-wise. For that what is required is facts and when facts are otherwise this chap will indulge in rigmarole. Have you questioned Avesta or Dinkard. No. So Why he makes reference to such texts. Because he has no logical answer to your remark about his cut paste job. Thats why.

  53. Contradhongi

    Adar, This fellow can never reply cogently/point-wise. For that what is required is facts and when facts are otherwise this chap will indulge in rigmarole. Have you questioned Avesta or Dinkard. No. So Why he makes reference to such texts. Because he has no logical answer to your remark about his cut paste job. Thats why.

  54. Pashjehan

    They can chose to go by Fire, and he under dirt lie down and lay
    Let me go the way i want to, Silently on a Tower one day.

    For all the creatures of the Almighty do it, the Fish, the the beasts and birds

    They all lay down on the good earth, when their time has come,
    And He removes them fine, every single one.

    No filth or smell remains, of their shabby souls,
    Nor grime or juice or grit….just a few dehydrated bones.
    No man comes lights their fire, nor pours dust or stone on them .
    So who are we to judge and who are we to c ondemn.

    So who are we sogreat…who need edifices of stone…?
    Or bonfires to burn purge us, in our final time alone.?
    Let us be remembered, for the life we lived,
    Who we helped and loved and embraced and who we forgived
    Not by fancy headstones and nor by Ashen Urns….
    Or edifices of stone and earth…or realatives’s concerns.

    For its busy time once we are gone….so much to do to be born to better birth.
    Dont think we’ve escaped for good or seen last of this earth.

    For the story my friend is not over, when earthly chapter is done,
    For lawyer, liar, great Doctor and pauper in His eyes, all are one.

    We who have judged, he will judge us, and His judgement will be pronounced.
    Believer, athiest it matters not, our dreadful Deeds will be denounced.

    Every good deed n thought and action, will reap a rich reward.
    Another lifetime without hardship or pain……a good life a good heart.

    So all that you squabble for, its really of no use.
    If u choose, do by fire go but do politely see,
    Just because you choose another way, doesnt make you better that me !

    To each his own they say, so go choose your own way……let me go mine. Dont get in my way, i wont get in thine…..

    Dont ctry to change anothers

  55. Pashjehan

    They can chose to go by Fire, and he under dirt lie down and lay
    Let me go the way i want to, Silently on a Tower one day.

    For all the creatures of the Almighty do it, the Fish, the the beasts and birds

    They all lay down on the good earth, when their time has come,
    And He removes them fine, every single one.

    No filth or smell remains, of their shabby souls,
    Nor grime or juice or grit….just a few dehydrated bones.
    No man comes lights their fire, nor pours dust or stone on them .
    So who are we to judge and who are we to c ondemn.

    So who are we sogreat…who need edifices of stone…?
    Or bonfires to burn purge us, in our final time alone.?
    Let us be remembered, for the life we lived,
    Who we helped and loved and embraced and who we forgived
    Not by fancy headstones and nor by Ashen Urns….
    Or edifices of stone and earth…or realatives’s concerns.

    For its busy time once we are gone….so much to do to be born to better birth.
    Dont think we’ve escaped for good or seen last of this earth.

    For the story my friend is not over, when earthly chapter is done,
    For lawyer, liar, great Doctor and pauper in His eyes, all are one.

    We who have judged, he will judge us, and His judgement will be pronounced.
    Believer, athiest it matters not, our dreadful Deeds will be denounced.

    Every good deed n thought and action, will reap a rich reward.
    Another lifetime without hardship or pain……a good life a good heart.

    So all that you squabble for, its really of no use.
    If u choose, do by fire go but do politely see,
    Just because you choose another way, doesnt make you better that me !

    To each his own they say, so go choose your own way……let me go mine. Dont get in my way, i wont get in thine…..

    Dont ctry to change anothers

  56. Behroze

    Dont try to blindfold others. PASHJEHAN. No body wants to come in your way and you are free to go the way you want but do not compel others to place blinkers on their eyes and make them think that mind is druj. 

  57. Behroze

    Dont try to blindfold others. PASHJEHAN. No body wants to come in your way and you are free to go the way you want but do not compel others to place blinkers on their eyes and make them think that mind is druj. 

  58. Behroze

    Dont try to blindfold others. PASHJEHAN. No body wants to come in your way and you are free to go the way you want but do not compel others to place blinkers on their eyes and make them think that mind is druj. 

  59. saf

    yedda Puff, lemme remind you it was YOU who said, ‘the dead bodies rots and putrifies’ not me…
    Read your own reply to Siloo-
    “Shame on Siloo Kapadia for writing such a derogatory remark for our dear vultures –”Chee ! Wass-e-wass.”
    It is the dead body that rots and putrifies and not the vulture that smells.”

    So do enlighten us why do bodies rot and get putrified at Dakhma ?

  60. puff

    Piloo —->20 February 2010 at 8:53 am wrote
    “Lastly, I fully agree with your quote “”Never Argue With An Idiot, first he will lower u till his level and then beat u with his experience”, I will practice this ‘saying’. For that reason this will be my last reply.”

    Since you continue your dialogue with me even as of today 24th February, I understand you have fallen in love with me as I am more intelligent than you. Just hope you belong to the opposite sex as I am straight. You and Dhongi are my daily “Nasto”, only trouble is I have it at night after returning from work. This place would have been so dull if you two were not on this portal.

  61. saf

    “It is the dead body that rots and putrifies”

    Puff … any idea why the dead bodies rot and get purified at Dakhma?

    – Saroush

  62. saf

    HaaaHaaa anti-Dhongee…that was a good one :)

  63. Rustom

    Adarbahman..recent comments from rustom were put by rustom here years ago again showcasing the same…that the mantra that change is unconditional and always good is not true and also that other systems have their own problems..Also the same are not written by me in newspaper and others but by other people which have been linked here….and you have a problem with that….so if i link the bundaishn, avesta or denkard, or science journal’s or history, you’ll debunk that or try and create some sort of achivement like sherlock found out something….
    In any case…maybe sherlock will get in eventually get it that the point is science showcasing certain facts that the anti dakhma want to close eyes to.