Zoroastrianism along with Hinduism is believed to be the oldest religions in the world. The origin of this religion is credited to an individual named Zoroaster or also known as Zarathustra in Persian. This religion and its philosophy are based on his teachings. This religion is also named after him.
At many places one will come across another term Mazdaism that is often associated with Zoroastrianism. Mazdaism refers to worship of Ahura Mazda, propounded by Zoroaster as the supreme divine authority. Parsi’s religious books find the Creator Ahura Mazda as supreme almighty representing all good and no evil is associated with him. In nutshell, Zoroastrianism emphasizes source of good as Ahura and druj as source of evil. Avesta is the most significant religious text of Zoroastrianism.
Parsis also observe occasions of mourning which is known as Zarthost No Deeso. In the Zoroastrian calendar, No Deeso falls in June. This mourning is observed because it is believed that Prophet Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism passed away in a temple when he was praying. However, there are some other versions of his death as well. One version says, he was killed by a murderer. One more widely held belief is he died in sleep and lastly one of them says, he died in his 77th year by the Turanian army in a Fire temple. The common belief says, after his death, the Prophet Zarathushtra ascended for the skies.
Zarthost No Deeso holds a significant importance in the lives of Parsis. They observe several rituals. Parsis organize special prayer sessions where prayers are recited with religious discourses. The prime focus of these discourses is on overall life of the Prophet including his works and teachings. Fire temples are visited by Zoroastrians for the prayers. This is more like a sombre occasion hence one will not see any type of public functions and celebrations. Most of the religious ceremonies are restricted to houses or temples.
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