Zoroastrianism
in India - Parsis are merely 0.01% of Indian population and most of
them live in Mumbai, but they are distinctive and easily recognizable.
Followers of
Zoroastrianism, they migrated from Persia. The
religion was established around 7th century BC but its followers were
exiled from Iran in the 7th century AD by the Muslim fanatics. They
landed in Gujarat region. Parsis believe in one God with no form or
shape and that there is a perpetual war going on between the good forces
(forces of light) and the evil forces (forces of darkness) and the deeds
of the people determines the victory or the outcome of the battle. These
people light fires in their temples to represent God. Parsis mark the
village of Udvada in Gujarat as the holiest place and their holy
language is called Avesta.
It is the ancient language that was once spoken in Iran.
Parsis
have always demonstrated a lot of religious tolerance. They believe in
preserving the purity of natural elements such as fire, water, air and
earth and thus, instead of cremating or burying their dead ones, they
leave them on high towers built especially for the purpose, where their
flesh can be used as food by hawks and crows.
Parsis have
believed in purity of blood and thus, marry in their own community only.
Many prominent figures in the Indian Nationalist movement were Parsis
and they can also be credited with being the pioneers of the modern
Indian industry and various institutions of all kinds in India. Some of
the richer families are still among the bigger finance houses in India.
