Zoroastrianism

Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism, spread the message of peace, progress, and prosperity on this good earth and a blissful life beyond. The people who follow Zoroastrianism are referred to as Parsis. Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity of Zoroastrianism. Fire is worshipped by Parsis as a symbol of godhead, and the holy book of the community is the Avesta.

Teachings of Zoroastrianism

Parsi priests blessing the foodZoroastrianism is based on the triple principle of Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. Zoroastrianism promotes the human mind and provokes the thinking faculty. Good and Evil are considered as two opposing mentalities, and not as entities. Good serves and promotes human society, while evil damages and retards the society's progress. A person is good if he or she chooses to think good thoughts, speaks good words and performs good deeds.

One is evil if one chooses to think evil, speak evil and do evil. Good deeds lead a person to wholeness and immortality, while evil deeds make one suffer. Zoroastrianism prescribes human progress through harmony with the beneficial nature. It also advocates perfect equality to men and women.

Festivals of Parsis

Parsi New YearAccording to the Parsis there are six seasons in the year, with an important festival in each. The feasts are called Gahambars. Pateti is New Year's Day of the older school of Parsis, and it is held in September after the southwest monsoon. Parsis celebrate the birthday of Zarathustra and also observe his death anniversary. In every festival, Parsis lay a great stress on charity.


About India | Arts | Cuisine | Fairs | Festivals | Neighbours | Society | Religions
Site Map | Disclaimer | About Us | Write To Us