The Parsis follow the Zoroastrian religion and are also known as Zoroastrians. Zoroastrianism is one of the ancient religions of the world. The three pillars of this religion are: Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. As each religion has its own place of worship similarly the Zoroastrians have the Fire Temple. Fire for the Zoroastrians is a sign of purity and the symbol of their God, Ahura Mazda. The Fire Temple is also called Agyari in Gujrati and Dar e Mehr in Persian where Persia is the modern-day Iran.
Most Parsis celebrate their New Year according to the Persian Shenshahi
Calendar. On this occasion they go to the Fire Temple, visit family and friends,
wear new clothes, exchange sweets and enjoy a traditional Parsi meal. Another
important ceremony in a Parsis life is the wedding ceremony. This ceremony is
performed after sunset. The Parsi marriage is solemnized according to the Parsi
form of ceremony called Ashirvad meaning blessing, by a Parsi priest in the
presence of two Parsi witnesses other than the priest. The couple is blessed by the priest who
conducts the marriage. The Zoroastrian high priest is known as Dastur. In India
there is- The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 which is the law relating to
marriage and divorce among Parsis.
The Parsis also have a very distinct and unique cuisine. The Parsi
cuisine refers to the traditional cuisine of the Parsis and some of the popular
Parsi dishes include Chicken Farcha, Dhansak, Salli Boti, Patra ni Machhi etc.
Thus, the cuisine of the Parsis too is vivid like the Parsi culture, heritage
and traditions!
