Zarathustra in Goa: A painting by Angelo da Fonseca

Zarathustra in Goa: A painting by Angelo da Fonseca

A newly revealed 1964 painting by Angelo da Fonseca reworks Parsi iconography with daring tendernessIn an unexpected and delightful twist of Indian art history, a previously unknown 1964 painting entitled ‘Spitama Zarathustra’ has emerged in Goa from the hitherto...

The day Parsis shut Bombay down over stray dogs

The day Parsis shut Bombay down over stray dogs

It’s hard to imagine that Bombay (now Mumbai) once came to a screeching halt over stray dogs. Almost 200 years ago, this city shut shop, marched in the streets, and very nearly brought the East India Company to its knees. All because the administration tried to mess...

Parsi New Year 2025: Blithe spirits and Navroze naataks

Parsi New Year 2025: Blithe spirits and Navroze naataks

Remembering dramatist and columnist extraordinaire Dorab Mehta (1917-2005) who entertained theatre audiences and newspaper readersA dated photograph of Dorab (left) and Homai MehtaArticle by Meher Marfatia | Mid-DayWhen I write I also laugh,” he declared. Dorab Mehta...

Navroze Mubarak 2025: Happy New Year 1395 Y.Z.

Navroze Mubarak 2025: Happy New Year 1395 Y.Z.

Today marks the start of the Shehenshai New Year, when Parsi Zarathushtis all over the world welcome the “Navu Varas.” Over the past 10 days of Muktad and Gatha, we brought you along on a journey of tradition, nostalgia, and the value of continued customs—traditions...

Everyday Parsi: Persis Driver

Everyday Parsi: Persis Driver

Today is the Vahishtoishti Gatha, the fifth and final Gatha day of this year’s muktad. And in the 2025 Everyday Parsi series we feature our tenth author Dr. Persis Driver. Flickering Memories of Fearless Women In my fast-paced, often chaotic life, Muktad days are when...

Everyday Parsi: Arnavaz Sethna

Everyday Parsi: Arnavaz Sethna

Today is the Vohuxshathra Gatha, the fourth Gatha day of this year’s muktad. And in the 2025 Everyday Parsi series we feature our ninth author Arnavaz Sethna. My Memories of Muktad in Karachi Growing up in Karachi in an Athornan family, Muktad days were special to me....

Everyday Parsi: Roshan Rivetna

Everyday Parsi: Roshan Rivetna

Today is the Spentamainyu Gatha, the third Gatha day of this year’s muktad. And in the 2025 Everyday Parsi series we feature our eighth author Roshan Rivetna. Muktad Memories – From Mumbai (Bombay) to Chicago Early Days in Mumbai My early days, growing up in Bombay...