Introduction :

Zoroastrianism is considered the first universal and monotheist religion in history. It is a small religion with about 140,000 members, yet its importance to humanity is much greater than its current numbers. Zoroastrianism is also known by Zarathustrism, Mazdaism and Parsism.

Origin :

Zoroastrianism was founded by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia). Conservative Zoroastrians believe 6000 BCE as the founding year but Religious scholars and Historians estimate 1000 BCE based on his style of writing. Zarathushtra preached monotheism and was attacked for his teachings. With the support of the King, Zoroastrianism became the state religion of various Persian empires, until the 7th Century CE.

Significance :

Zoroastrian theology had a great impact on Christianity, Judaism and other religions, particularly with beliefs about God and Satan, the soul, savior, resurrection, heaven and hell, final judgment, etc. Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions and may have been the monotheistic religion.

Central Beliefs :

Zoroastrianism theology is strongly dualistic with Zarathustra (God of Good) supposedly having an opponent in Aura Mainyu (God of Evil). Zoroastrianism is also a highly ethical religion.Avesta is the holy book of Zorastrians. It includes the core, original five hymns of Zarathushtra called the Gathas. Gathas guide towards worship of only one God, understanding of righteousness and cosmic order, promotion of social justice and individual choice between good and evil. Zoroastrianism lay emphasis on equality of gender, equality of all humans, cleanliness of the environment, Hard work and charity, Condemnation of oppression toward human beings, condemnation of sacrifice of animals. equality of all humans. In Zoroastrianism, the symbol of fire and sun are considered to be "energy of the creator" which are both enduring, radiant, pure and life sustaining.

Zoroastrianism in Practice :

Zoroastrian worship includes prayers and symbolic ceremonies. Rituals are conducted before a sacred fire as a symbol of their God. Zoroastrianism do not usually accept converts. To be a Zoroastrian, one has to be born into the religion, though some dispute it. Members are dedicated to a three-fold path of good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

Festivels :

Gahambars : Gahambar means 'full time', or 'proper season'. Gahambars is a Parsi festival. Gahambar is marked in honour of Sky, Waters, Earth, Plants, Cattle and Man. There are six gahambars in a year and each of these gahambars spans for five days.A festival to pay tributes to God and Creation, Gahambars festival is a community festival that reinforces feelings of brotherhood. Parsis are also reminded about the good deeds and their roots on Gahambars.Deeds of a true Parsi are; radih or being charitable, rastih or being truthful, celebrating the Gahambars, observing a three-day ceremony after death, worshipping god, building lodgings for the poor, and wishing everyone well.

Jamshed Navroz : Jamshed E Navroz is the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year. Parsis follow the Fasli calendar and their New Year commences with the Vernal Equinox. The festival is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm. All the rituals of Jamshedi Navroz are dutifully followed by the community. Parsis offer special prayers on the day, savour the fixed menu of the festival and greet each other. Celebration of the festival dates back to over 3000 years when the legendary king of Persia, Jamshedji ascended the throne on the day of 'Navroz'. 'Nav' means new and 'Roz' means day. The day happened to be a vernal equinox.- when the length of the day equals that of the night. Navroz marked the transition from winter to summer. Later, the particular day came to known and celebrated as 'Jamshed Navroz Festival'.

Khordad Sal : Khordid Sal is the birth anniversary of Prohet Zoroaster. It falls on the sixth day of the Parsi month, Farvardin (sometime in August or September). On this day of Khordad Sal, the birthday of Prophet Spitaman Zarathusatra is celebrated symbolically by the Zoroastrians.

Zarthost No Deeso : Zarthost No Deeso is an occasion of mourning observed by the Zoroastrians (Parsis). Zarthost No Deeso falls place on June, ( Khorshed roz, Dae mah 11th day, 10th month) of the Zoroastrian calendar.