History of Parsis in India
The Parsi community in India traces its origins to Persia (modern-day Iran). Following the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century, Zoroastrians fled religious persecution and arrived on the western coast of India, mainly in Gujarat, around the 8th to 10th centuries. They sought refuge under Hindu rulers and gradually integrated into Indian society while preserving their distinct religious identity.
Core Beliefs of Parsis
Parsis follow Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions founded by Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) around 1500-1000 BCE. Their fundamental beliefs include:
- Ahura Mazda: The supreme god representing truth and light.
- Dualism: The cosmic battle between good (Spenta Mainyu) and evil (Angra Mainyu).
- Fire Worship: Fire represents purity and is central to their religious practices.
- Three Tenets: "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds" (Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta).
- Afterlife Beliefs: A soul is judged based on its deeds and directed toward heaven, hell, or a temporary middle state.
Traditions and Rituals
- Navjote: Initiation ceremony where a child is inducted into the faith and wears the sacred Sudreh (white cotton vest) and Kusti
(woven sacred thread).- Towers of Silence (Dakhma): Parsis traditionally follow the ritual of sky burial, where the dead are placed in open towers to be
consumed by vultures.- Gahambars: Seasonal festivals dedicated to different aspects of nature and creation.
- Jashan: A thanksgiving ceremony performed in homes and fire temples.
- Parsi New Year (Navroz): Celebrated in March or August, marking the renewal of life and faith.
Major Parsi Settlements in India
Parsis are a small but prominent community in India, mainly residing in:
- Mumbai: The largest Parsi population and home to significant fire temples.
- Gujarat: Navsari (historical religious center), Udvada (home to the oldest fire temple in India), Surat, and Bharuch.
- Pune: A significant Parsi community with various religious and cultural institutions.
- Bangalore & Hyderabad: Smaller but active Parsi communities.
Important Fire Temples
- Iranshah Atash Behram (Udvada, Gujarat): The most sacred fire temple in India, where the oldest sacred flame brought from Persia
still burns.- Atash Behrams in Mumbai: Mumbai has four Atash Behrams – Banaji Limji, Anjuman, Wadia, and Dadyseth Atash Behrams.
- Fire Temples in Gujarat: Located in Navsari and Surat.
Common Parsi Surnames and Names
- Surnames: Engineer, Merchant, Doctor, Contractor, Wadia, Tata, Godrej, Mistry, Sethna, Mehta, Bharda.
- Male Names: Rustom, Farrokh, Cyrus, Behram, Darius, Zubin, Hormazd, Jamshed.
- Female Names: Roshan, Khurshid, Sanaya, Farida, Yasmin, Meher, Delnaz.
Parsi Cuisine
Parsi cuisine is a blend of Persian and Indian flavors, featuring dishes such as:
- Dhansak: A lentil-based dish served with caramelized rice.
- Patra ni Machhi: Fish steamed in banana leaves with coconut and spices.
- Sali Boti: A spicy mutton dish topped with fried potato straws.
- Lagan nu Custard: A traditional Parsi dessert served at weddings.
Parsi Contribution to India
Despite being a small community, Parsis have made significant contributions in various fields:
- Business: Industrial pioneers like J.R.D. Tata, Jamsetji Tata (Tata Group), and Godrej family.
- Politics & Law: Pheroze Gandhi, Nani Palkhivala, Dadabhai Naoroji (first Indian MP in British Parliament).
- Arts & Science: Zubin Mehta (conductor), Freddie Mercury (singer), Homi Bhabha (nuclear physicist).
Parsis, with their unique customs and strong cultural identity, continue to play an important role in India‘s socio-economic and cultural landscape while preserving their ancient traditions.
