MUMBAI: In an open letter to the community, seven Parsi high priests have condemned both conversion and interfaith marriages. While acknowledging that several issues plague the community—not the least of which is its dwindling population—they have written, “The solution to our current issue does not lie in cutting out the very basis of Zoroastrianism and… Continue reading Seven Parsi high priests condemn conversion and interfaith marriages
Category: Udvada
Bachi Karkaria: Why Is India’s Wealthy Parsi Community Vanishing ?
Udvada is an obscure hamlet in India’s western Gujarat state which houses the holiest fire of India’s Parsi community. Legend has it that it was consecrated some 12 centuries ago on the nearby Sanjan beach, landing point of a boatload of refugees who had fled the Arab conquest of Persia to save their 3,000-year-old Zoroastrian… Continue reading Bachi Karkaria: Why Is India’s Wealthy Parsi Community Vanishing ?
Vada Dasturjis Voice: “No Conversion or Mixed Marriages”
Below is a letter signed by all the Vada Dasturjis in the aftermath of the Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2015 Preserve identity and maintain religious practices, say Vada Dasturjis in one voice, as they address an open letter to the community in the wake of the controversial #Iranshah #Udvada #Utsav. Here is the full letter that… Continue reading Vada Dasturjis Voice: “No Conversion or Mixed Marriages”
Darius Khambata Clarifies Stand on the IUU 2015 Talk
Darius Khambata was one of the speakers on Day 02 of the recently concluded Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2015. His talk raised a lot of controversey over what was said/heard/implied…..or NOT….by those present, and those that went by hearsay. He clarifies his stand in a letter to the Editor of the Jame Jamshed that was shared… Continue reading Darius Khambata Clarifies Stand on the IUU 2015 Talk
‘Bawaji ni Paltan’ guarded Holy Fire for centuries
Parsis from across the country and globe gathered to celebrate Iranshah Udvada Utsav and offer prayers in the holy town of Udvada, but few know that the holy fire was once protected by the guards of erstwhile state of Baroda. The royal Gaekwad family not just offered support to the Parsi community but also safeguarded… Continue reading ‘Bawaji ni Paltan’ guarded Holy Fire for centuries
A flame endangered
India’s smallest community is getting even smaller; and the Parsis are worried. “If 3000 people are sitting in this pandal, then 20 more such pandals can accommodate all the Parsis living on Planet Earth right now. That’s how small a community we are.” Thus spake actor Boman Irani, and the 3000 Parsis packed in under… Continue reading A flame endangered
Zoroastrianism is a universal faith and welcomes all, says former advocate-general
Parsi priests often approach actor Boman Irani and ask him to do something about the community’s dwindling numbers. “Uh su karu? (What should I do?),” he asks perplexed. “I can’t go on people’s honeymoons and supervise, can I?” Article by Nergish Sunavala | Times of India At the Iranshah Udvada Utsav, the narrative of the… Continue reading Zoroastrianism is a universal faith and welcomes all, says former advocate-general
Day 02 and 03: Iranshah Udvada Utsav
The second day of the first ever Iranshah Udvada Utsav started with two fun filled participatory activities. The Heritage Walks and The Treasure Hunt had droves of people walking or running through the small lanes of Udvada and give the town the kind of buzz and foot activities seen only once or twice a year… Continue reading Day 02 and 03: Iranshah Udvada Utsav
Parsi family from Syracuse NY plays familiar role
Coming all the way from NY, family puts up play in Gujarati at Udvada festival. Her dazzling pink dress and scurrying in and out of the greenroom is an eye-catcher. But there are clearly no jitters. For Benaifer Dabu who has travelled from New York, being a Parsi and taking part in Parsi plays there… Continue reading Parsi family from Syracuse NY plays familiar role
