Zoroastrianism (Parsis)
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The faith of the Parsis and Iranis, who came to India from Persia. A small community that has made notable contributions to India's industry, science, philanthropy and public life.
| Origin | Founded in ancient Iran by the prophet Zarathushtra. Parsi tradition, recorded in the Qissa-i Sanjan, tells of Zoroastrians from Persia landing at Sanjan in Gujarat; the date is uncertain. Irani Zoroastrians came later, mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries |
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Sacred texts
- Avesta, including the Gathas of Zarathushtra
- Khordeh Avesta (daily prayers)
Main festivals
- Jamshedi Navroz (spring new year)
- Parsi New Year (Navroz in the Shahenshahi calendar)
- Khordad Sal (birth of Zarathushtra)
- Muktad (remembering departed souls)
- Jashan thanksgiving ceremonies
Places of worship and pilgrimage
- Iranshah Atash Behram, Udvada, Gujarat
- Atash Behrams and agiaries (fire temples) of Mumbai
- Navsari, Gujarat
Underlined names open their own page.
Key beliefs and practices
- One wise God, Ahura Mazda.
- Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
- Life is a struggle between good and evil, and each person chooses to side with good.
- Fire is a symbol of purity and of God's light; consecrated fires are kept burning in fire temples.
- Parsis are one of the six notified minority communities of India.