Zoroastrian Religion

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.