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Giants on the Move – UK

yazdi — Sun, 24 May 2026 09:07:58 +0000

On 6 and 7 June, Serendipity Arts brings a giant puppet street parade to Exhibition Road as part of the Great Exhibition Road Festival. Directed by legendary puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee, the procession moves through South Kensington twice in a day with puppeteers, drummers, and musicians leading the way.

Open to all ages, free of charge and a worthwhile experience.

Tickets are live, head to greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk now!

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Thanksgiving Celebration to Dae Dadar on 31 May – Mumbai

yazdi — Sat, 23 May 2026 23:58:51 +0000

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Rangilo Parsi Chhabilo Parsi – Jamshed Kotwal

yazdi — Sat, 23 May 2026 13:16:18 +0000

1. Jagatna Dukhne Harnara
2. Duniyama Leher Karjo
3. Sara Sagan Joine
4. Mastan Mara Dilne
5. Goola Maari Gol Gol
6. Sunabai Lamba
7. Mara Bhola Dilno
8. Parsi Taru Naam Sakhavat
9. Hun Rahi Gai Kumari
10. Maiji Sambhlo Mari Vaat
11. Jallawadima Re
12. Rangili Darjan
13. Jarthosti Jarthosti

Music Arranger : Jamshed Kotwal
Compere : Shahrukh Sadri
Singers : Mani Mulla, Zarin Variava,
Shilloo Shroff, Viraf Daruwala,
Shahrukh Sadri & Jamshed Kotwal
Musicians : Jimmy Sahiyar, Julius,
Manuel, Marshal, Sudhir & Sunil
Conceived & Circulated by :
Jamshed Kotwal, Mumbai.
Tel. : 4006 6993 / 98921 10325

Supported by :
W.Z.O. Trust,
Mumbai Parsi Panchayet,
Mr. Shahrukh Khathawala,
Seth Jamshed N. Guzdar,
Gool & Dr. Roshan Ghaswala.
Recorded at : Dear Studio
Mahalaxmi, Mumbai – by Vishal
Photographer : Cyrus Shroff
Designed & Printed by : M/s. Square

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FIRES Newsletter Summer 2026

yazdi — Sat, 23 May 2026 04:58:30 +0000

Summer reading season is here — whether you enjoy fiction, biographies, self-help, or children’s books, this is the perfect time to explore new worlds, fresh ideas, and unforgettable stories. There’s nothing quite like discovering a book that inspires, entertains, or stays with you long after the last page. Happy reading!

Light, Liberty, and Legacy:

Zoroastrian Echoes from America’s Founding

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that shaped the nation — liberty, justice, ethical leadership, and religious tolerance. Less widely recognized, however, is the fascination many Enlightenment thinkers and America’s Founding Fathers held for the ancient world, including Persia and the legacy associated with Zoroastrian thought.

Figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson admired the reputation of Cyrus the Great, whose rule came to symbolize enlightened governance, magnanimity, and tolerance. For much of early American history, Cyrus the Great was a household name, celebrated in schools and popular literature as the benevolent ruler who freed the Jews from Babylon.[1] The names Xerxes and Darius rolled comfortably off the tongues of schoolchildren in a way difficult to imagine today. Generations of young Americans learned their ABCs through the rhyming verses of The New England Primer, where the letter X was memorably taught through the line: “Xerxes the Great did die, and so must you and I.”[2]

Persian rulers also occupied a surprising place in nineteenth-century American education. Abbott’s Histories, a widely read series of biographical sketches of great leaders, devoted several volumes to ancient Persian kings. Three were Persian monarchs — Cyrus, Darius, and Xerxes — underscoring the respect ancient Persia commanded in the American imagination.[3]

For Zoroastrians, these themes feel especially familiar. The timeless principle of Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta — Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds — continues to resonate across cultures and generations as a guide for ethical living, civic responsibility, and moral leadership. The Zoroastrian emphasis on truth, justice, and the triumph of light over darkness parallels many of the values celebrated in America’s founding ideals.

These echoes continue well beyond history books. Themes associated with Zoroastrian thought and ancient Persian imagination — particularly the enduring tension between good and evil, moral choice, and cosmic order — continue to surface in modern literature, fantasy, film, and gaming. Across contemporary storytelling, creators repeatedly draw upon the symbolism, mythology, and philosophical legacy of ancient Persia to shape narratives for new generations.

As America marks 250 years of independence, it is fitting to recognize how ideas rooted in ethics, truth, and the pursuit of enlightenment (this would be Jefferson’s terminology) continue to illuminate both history and culture. In many ways, these enduring echoes remind us that Zoroastrian values are not simply ancient relics of the past — they remain timeless contributions to humanity’s shared moral and cultural heritage.

[1] Ghazvinian, Ghazvinian, America and Iran: A History, 1720 to the Present (New York: Knopf, 2021), 33

[2] Ghazvinian, America and Iran, 33

[3] Ghazvinian, America and Iran, 34

A page from a New England Primer scanned by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Two million copies of The New England Primer, a textbook for children to read and spell, are believed to have been sold from 1690’s until well past 1800.

2026 Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize

Last Call for Applications

Last call for submissions for the 3rd Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize — we invite Zoroastrian writers and emerging voices to submit their work by Monday, June 1st, 2026. Detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and timelines are available at:

https://fires-fezana.org/bapsi-sidhwa-literary-prize-2026/

Established in honor of Bapsi Sidhwa’s extraordinary literary legacy, the Prize celebrates storytelling rooted in depth, courage, identity, and cultural memory.

Not a writer? Share this announcement widely. Connecting the right story to this opportunity is itself an act of stewardship.

FIRES Oral History Project

New Recordings Available!

FIRES continues its commitment to preserving the voices and memories of our community, we are delighted to present the next four Oral Histories in our growing archive. Each conversation offers a unique window into lives shaped by tradition, migration, service, scholarship, and the enduring values of the Zarathushti faith. We invite you to listen, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable individuals whose experiences enrich the tapestry of our shared heritage.

We welcome you to explore the life histories captured by our talented and dedicated volunteer, Chase (Georgia)—featuring:

Ardeshir Mistry (Texas)
Khushrav Nariman (Texas),
Ruth Dinaz Sarkari (Texas), and
Daisy Rusi Pavri (Ontario)

now available on the FIRES website: https://fires-fezana.org/category/oral-history/

BOOK AWARENESS

New Books Added to Our Collection

A Call to Consciousness

by Zerbanoo Gifford is a thought-provoking reflection on humanity, spirituality, and the urgent need for compassion and ethical responsibility in modern society. Drawing on her Zoroastrian heritage and global humanitarian work, Gifford inspires readers to embrace awareness, justice, and the power of individual action to create meaningful change.

Collection of Poetry

by Dinaz Kutar Rogers is a reflective and heartfelt journey through memory, identity, and emotion, woven with lyrical simplicity and quiet depth. Her verses capture everyday moments with grace, inviting readers into a world of introspection, resilience, and human connection.

Muses Over Mumbai

by Murzban F. Shroff is a vivid and compassionate collection of stories that captures the restless soul of Mumbai through its unforgettable characters, struggles, and transformations. With empathy, humour, and sharp social insight, Shroff paints a layered portrait of a city where chaos, resilience, and humanity coexist.

Roxanne

by Perveen Nadirshaw Tayabali is a family saga in which Roxanna Tarapore attempts to balance her life as a teacher, a young woman in search of love, and the frustrated daughter of a dissatisfied, busybody of a mother. Life throws her a unique opportunity in the form of a little girl in need of a personal tutor – her father, the wealthy, handsome architect Cyrus, brings a new set of complications into an already complicated set of circumstances. Roxanne must navigate these new waters, while still balancing family dynamics and personal integrity.

Truth Seeker:

The Story of Zoroaster

by Rebecca DesPrez is a lively and engaging introduction to the life and ideas of Zoroaster, blending humor, adventure, and timeless wisdom for young readers. Perfect for curious children and families, this delightful retelling brings ancient Persian heritage and universal values to life with heart and imagination.

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Ancient texts reveal how Persian and Greek rule shaped language in Central Asia

yazdi — Sat, 23 May 2026 00:09:02 +0000

A new study by historian Rachel Mairs brings together written evidence from ancient Central Asia to examine how language and script changed across the region during the Achaemenid and Hellenistic periods. The research focuses on areas such as Bactria, Sogdiana, Arachosia, and Gandhara, which today fall within Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. The study appears in a recent Cambridge University Press volume and reviews texts dating from roughly the fifth century BCE to the second century CE.

Behistun Inscription, commissioned by Darius I of the Achaemenid Empire, shows the king describing the lands under his control and listing the regions within his vast empire carved into the rock face of Mount Behistun. Credit: Korosh / CC BY-SA 4.0

Central Asia is often described through the movement of empires, armies, and trade routes, but the study shifts attention to writing itself. According to the research, the surviving texts from this period were mostly written in imperial languages rather than local spoken ones. Under Achaemenid Persian rule, administrative texts were commonly recorded in Aramaic and Elamite. Later, after the conquests of Alexander the Great and the rise of Hellenistic kingdoms, Greek became widely used in official and public writing. In regions linked to the Mauryan Empire, Prakrit also entered the written record.

This does not mean local communities suddenly changed their everyday speech. The study argues the opposite. People in Central Asia likely continued speaking local Iranian and Indo-Aryan languages while using foreign languages for administration, trade, and formal writing. In other words, the language people wrote was often different from the one they spoke at home.

The evidence comes from inscriptions, administrative documents, and archaeological finds from sites across the region. Some of the earliest surviving written materials from Central Asia date to the fourth century BCE and come from Bactria and Arachosia. These records help show how Persian imperial systems operated far from their political center. The study notes that Aramaic served as a practical administrative language across the empire because officials from many regions needed a common written system.

Heliodorus’ Column or Pillar at Besnagar. Credit: Asitjain / CC BY-SA 3.0

Greek later followed a similar path. After Alexander’s campaigns in the late fourth century BCE, Greek speakers appeared in larger numbers in Central Asia. In places such as Ai Khanoum, archaeologists have uncovered inscriptions and written material showing Greek was used for public display, administration, and elite culture. Yet Greek writing in the region did not always signal Greek ethnic identity. The study stresses that language and identity should not be treated as identical categories. A person writing in Greek was not necessarily Greek by origin or self-identification.

One of the study’s main findings is that script and language also followed separate paths. Scripts were repeatedly adapted for new uses. Aramaic script was used to write languages beyond Aramaic itself, including Prakrit and local Iranian languages. Greek script later became the basis for writing Bactrian, an Iranian language associated with the Kushan period.

Map of the First Persian Empire

By tracing these patterns, the study presents ancient Central Asia as a multilingual region shaped by long-term contact between Persian, Greek, Indian, and local traditions. The written record is incomplete and shaped by what happened to survive in dry climates, collapsed archives, and archaeological excavations. Even so, the surviving documents offer a rare view of how empires influenced writing practices while local languages continued beneath the surface.

The study suggests ancient Central Asia was not defined by a single language or script, but by constant adaptation. Writing systems moved with empire, but local societies reshaped them for their own needs over time.

by Dario Radley

May 20, 2026

More information: Mairs R. (2026). Language and Script in Achaemenid and Hellenistic Central Asia. Cambridge University Press. doi.org/10.1017/9781009782128

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Adi Marzban – A gentle genius

yazdi — Fri, 22 May 2026 07:59:40 +0000

Adi Marzban – A gentle genius – by Hormazdyar Shahpurshah Dalal

“…. I am happy to write about Adi’s life and work. The task was not easy, since Adi was close to me. And also because he was a silent man who did not talk about himself….. ”

Read this interesting account of the history, foundation and growth of Jame Jamshed which is intrinsically linked with the Marzbans.

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Mumbai: Parsi-Zoroastrian Community Marks 200th Humbandagi At Historic Bhikha Behram Well In Churchgate

yazdi — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:12:07 +0000

The Parsi-Zoroastrian community gathered at Mumbai’s historic Bhikha Behram Well in Churchgate to celebrate the 200th Humbandagi and the 13th Foundation Day of XYZ. The event featured communal prayers and cultural activities aimed at preserving Zoroastrian heritage.

Members of the Parsi-Zoroastrian community gather at Bhikha Behram Well in Churchgate to celebrate the 200th Humbandagi and promote cultural fellowship | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari

Mumbai, May 21: Members of the Parsi-Zoroastrian community gathered at the historic Bhikha Behram Well at Churchgate on Thursday to mark the 200th Humbandagi, a significant milestone in the community’s tradition of collective prayer and fellowship.

The special Humbandagi coincided with the 13th Foundation Day of XYZ (Xtremely Young Zoroastrians), an organisation dedicated to fostering togetherness, camaraderie and cultural values among young members of the community.

The group works towards nurturing children into responsible individuals while instilling Zoroastrian values through fellowship, prayer and service-oriented activities.

Jashan ceremony performed by children and families

The communal Humbandagi followed at 5.30 pm, drawing devotees and families to the heritage-listed well, which holds immense religious and cultural significance for Parsis in Mumbai.

Tradition of prayer and fellowship celebrated

Humbandagi, or communal prayers, are traditionally conducted for health, peace and the well-being of society.

The event also highlighted the continuing efforts of younger generations to preserve and promote Zoroastrian traditions and heritage in the city.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-parsi-zoroastrian-community-marks-200th-humbandagi-at-historic-bhikha-behram-well-in-churchgate

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How a Parsi saved Mumbai

yazdi — Fri, 22 May 2026 02:49:07 +0000

The Son of the First Parsi Family of Mumbai along with the Original Inhabitants of Mumbai who are the Kolis had saved the Isle of Bombay, the Fort of Bombay and the City of Mumbai from an Invading Force which had taken all the Islands of Mumbai except for the Isle of Bombay

This Reel Covers

The First Parsi Family of Mumbai
The Brave Kolis of Mumbai
The Courageous Rustom Dorabji Leading an Army of the Kolis of Bombay
The Defeat of Seedees of Jungeera by Rustom Dorabji and Kolis
The British Conferring a Title of Patel to Rustom Dorabji and his Family who became the Lord or the Chief or the Patel of Bombay
Rustom Dorabji was also made the Head of the Koli Community of Bombay
This was the Story of Bombay when a Parsi and an army of Kolis saved the Isle of Bombay.

Any more inputs on this …….. welcome

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Homavazir Scout Group – 1927 – Centenary Souvenir

yazdi — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:53:15 +0000

Request for Ads in Souvenir

Our Homavazir scout group of which I am a proud alumnus, is celebrating its centennial on December 20th, at the Palamkote Hall in Dadar, a block away from J. B. Vatcha High School where it began in 1927.

I am writing to give this event publicity in order to ferret out old scouts of the group and encourage them to participate or contribute to the running of the group for another 100 years.

Attached are 2 letters one written by me and another soliciting contributions. Would appreciate it very much if you could put out the following blurb:

If you are an alumni of the group or if you know one that is, please pass this message on and try to attend the celebrations or contribute to the continuing of the group for the next 100 years. See attached 2 letters.

Top speed!

Rohinton Rivetna

rivetna@aol.com

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2026 FEZANA Scholarship Applications Now Open

yazdi — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:57:43 +0000

2026 FEZANA Scholarship Applications Now Open

FEZANA is proud to announce that the application portal for the 2026 Scholarship cycle is officially open. This year, we are awarding more than $120,000 in financial assistance to support the academic and creative ambitions of Zarathushti students across North America.

Who Can Apply?The program is designed to recognize excellence and provide support for:

Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in accredited degree-granting colleges or universities In the United States or Canada.
Graduate Students: Pursuing masters or doctoral programs at accredited degree-granting colleges or universities In the United States or Canada.
Artists: Dedicated scholarships for those in the performing, creative, and fine arts.

What’s New for 2026?

To further support our community’s growth, we have updated our eligibility rules. This year, previous scholarship winners are eligible to apply again. If you have received a FEZANA undergraduate or graduate scholarship in the past, you are welcome to submit a new application for the 2026 cycle.

About the FEZANA Scholarship Program

Since its inception in 1998, FEZANA has remained committed to helping students achieve their educational goals at institutions in the U.S. and Canada. Applications are evaluated by a dedicated committee based on:

Academic achievements and program of study.
Financial need.
Extra-curricular activities and community service.

Important Deadlines:

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
How to Apply: Submit your application exclusively through our online portal.

Apply Online Here

Don’t miss this opportunity to fuel your education and professional journey. We look forward to reviewing your applications and celebrating the talent within our community.

Good luck!

Sincerely

Dolly Dastoor Ph.D & Dinsha Mistree Ph.D

Co-Chairs, FEZANA Scholarship Committee

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