Parsi

Parsi refers to a Zoroastrian community that originated in the Pars (Fars) region of Iran and later migrated to the Indian subcontinent during the early medieval period, especially after the Arab conquest of Persia. The term is derived from Pars, the historical name for the region. Today, Parsis are primarily based in India, with smaller communities in Pakistan and a global diaspora.

Historically, Parsis settled along the western coast of India, notably in Gujarat at Sanjan, and later expanded to major cities such as Mumbai and Pune. They established religious and social institutions distinct from other communities, including fire temples and endogamous practices. Traditional funerary rites involved exposure of the dead in towers of silence (dakhma), a practice still associated with historical Parsi ritual life, though changes in modern times have affected its observance in some places.

Religiously, Parsis follow Zoroastrianism, centering on the worship of Ahura Mazda and the dualistic struggle between truth and falsehood. They maintain a distinctive liturgical and cultural heritage, with prayers often incorporating Avestan or Pahlavi terms and Gujarati as the everyday language. The community has a strong tradition of philanthropy, education, and social service, and they observe festivals such as Navroz (New Year) and other Zoroastrian rites.

Demographically, the global Parsi population is estimated at around 60,000–70,000, concentrated in Maharashtra (especially Mumbai) and Gujarat, with significant diasporic communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and the Gulf states. They commonly speak Gujarati in daily life, while religious and scholarly usage includes Avestan-derived terms.

Notable contributions by Parsis include leadership in industry, science, and culture. Prominent individuals include J. R. D. Tata, Ratan Tata, Homi J. Bhabha, and Freddie Mercury (Farrokh Bulsara).