Our Publications
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Threads of Continuity: Zoroastrian Life & Culture
by Dr. Shernaz Cama
Threads of Continuity focuses on the philosophy and culture of the ancient Zoroastrian faith from its origins in Central Asia, tracing a geographical and chronological continuum till the present. This philosophy became a part of the lived heritage of the Zoroastrian community — both in India and Iran. Of special interest are the cross-cultural influences of the community in India. To highlight these, Gujarat and the Deccan have been examined in detail for the first time. A part of this compendium also studies the contribution of the community to the making of modern India.
Price ₹2500
Threads of Continuity:
Zoroastrian Craft of Kusti Weaving
by Ashdeen Lilaowala with Shernaz Cama
Kusti Weaving and Sudreh making, are part of living Zoroastrian Heritage, which links crafts and art to religious traditions. Threads of Continuity presents a thorough understanding of the weaving process, the looms and tools used during weaving, their evolution and on going developments. In explaining the symbolic significance of the Sudreh and the Kusti, the book provides an invaluable account of Zoroastrian ceremonies and rituals in an accessible form.
Price ₹1200
The Divine Songs of Zarathushtra
Third Revised and enlarged Edition reprinted by Hukta Foundation – Mumbai
by Dr.Irach J.S.Taraporewala
Third Revised and enlarged Edition reprinted by Hukta Foundation – Mumbai
The Training which Dr Taraporewala had received in Germany in objective research, and his mastery of classical Gujarati poetry enabled him to capture the beauty, the power, the sublimity and the spirit of the original Gathas in his translations in this unique voluminous book.
This is an excellent introductory book, lucidly written and authoritative, having been written by a scholar of world reputation. The present edition gives a representative selection of D. Taraporewala’s writings. It is in three parts. The first part provides a basic knowledge of the ethics, philosophy and morals of the faith of Zarathushtra. Dr. Taraporewala had spent twenty years in translating the Gathas of Zarathushtra,which form the second part and the heart of the book. The third part presents a historical perspective in the form of essays on three forgotten religions of Iran – Mithraism , Manichaeism and Mazdakism.
The Collected Scholarly Writings of Dastur Firoze M. Kotwal
Edited by Firoza Punthakey Mistree & Cashmira Vatcha Bengalli.
Vol. 1. Mumbai: Parzor Foundation.
For over a thousand years, Zoroastrian priests in India have sustained their belief system and the ritual infrastructure of their faith, by the constant enactment of rituals with exactitude in their religious life.
High Priest Dastur (Dr.) Firoze M. Kotwal's knowledge of priestly history and of ritual practice is unparalleled. His familiarity with Avestan, Pahlavi and old Gujarati, has enabled an understanding of the classical theology and the practices of the faith. His work has helped sustain the relevance of the ritual tradition in modern times, and his essays illustrate patterns of differences in priestly expressions in rituals, among the priesthood in India. For priests, lay-people and academics, this volume provides a resource for the future study of the faith. Its exploration both in time span and in its detail reveals the choices that lie ahead for the community, which Zarathushtra so pertinently articulated in the Gathas, three thousand five hundred years ago – the clear choice which is to be made between good and evil and between the better and the best.
Price ₹3500
Joyous Flame: The Parsi Zoroastrians
by Rukshana Shroff and Kerman Mehta, illustrated by Naasha Mehta
An illustrated book in a contemporary style that brings alive the culture of the Parsi Zoroastrians. It provides a lucid introduction to the religious beliefs, traditions and culture of this community. Written in an accessible style, with vivid illustrations, to appeal to young readers, the book provides insights into this valuable cultural heritage. The title “Joyous Flame" highlights both the cultural practices and religious beliefs of the Parsi Zoroastrians. The community is known for its joie de vivre and celebrates happiness as a positive value. Fire has a symbolic significance that symbolizes energy, warmth and illumination. This book aims to enlighten its reader about the unique culture of Parsi-Zoroastrians.
Price ₹700
India in Focus: Camera Chronicles of Homai Vyarawalla
by Sabeena Gadihoke
Homai Vyarawalla’s photographs of pre and post- independent India have contributed to a certain nationalist iconography. Homai’s work has spanned four decades that include both, the euphoria of independence, as well as the disillusionment with undelivered promises in the new nation state. Homai was a woman who was active in the public arena and in politics without actually being part of it. This book presents along with her photographs, Homai’s critical insights as a bystander who watched these changes in the country. Her comments on the events add significantly to the historical value of her photography. Some of the most momentous political events in India were captured by her camera in Delhi during 1941-1970. The unique image of the Dalai Lama crossing over into Indian territory in 1959, captured by her lens and illustrated in this book, is of immense historical significance.
This book has been brought out by Parzor Foundation as part of our attempt to preserve the Historical Heritage of our Nation. After the successful sale of all the hardcover copies, a reprinted paperback edition was released in 2010.
Brilliantly authored by well-known media personality and teacher Sabeena Gadihoke of the Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia University, the book sensitively captures Homai’s world, past and present and highlights her vast collection of photographs that archive the nation in its infancy.
Oral Traditions: UNESCO Parzor Report on Questionnaire-1(a) Reet Rivaj
by Dr. Rumy Mistry and Dr. Shernaz Cama
Did you know that 94% of Parsi’s believe in charity, or that more Zoroastrians abroad are members of their local anjumans than Zoroastrians in Indian metros, or that Parsiana is the most highly read community publication*. Find out more about such details of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in this illustrated report.
The recording of Oral Traditions in a rapidly changing world is of great importance in understanding a community. The UNESCO Parzor Reet Rivaj Questionnaire was a voluntary exercise for the Parsi Zoroastrian community. The analysis of the findings reveals issues of change and continuity important not only for the specialist but for all concerned Zoroastrians.
* All the above data is as per the findings of UNESCO Parzor’s Reet Rivaj questionnairePower of Creativity
by UNESCO
A UNESCO publication with a special focus on Parsi culture and Parzor crafts.
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Audio & Video
In War & Peace: The Life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw MC
- Director: Jessica Gupta
The only authorized film on India’s First Field Marshal directed by UNESCO Parzor filmmaker Jessica Gupta, this movie looks at a great military hero from the perspective of history. As Sam converses with his grandson Jehan, Indian history from the time of the 2nd World War comes alive for the youth of today. Full of humor and wit, this VCD with its inlay of rare photographs and unique archival footage, is a collector’s item.
Sufi Raah: The Classical Tradition of Tappa
Tappa one of the most exacting and dazzling, but a dying form of Hindustani Classical Music, was taken up for preservation
This form of singing is traced to the 15th Century A.D. Camel drivers from regions farther west through Baluchistan and Waziristan to the Multan region (now in Pakistan). Later this form of music traveled to the rest of India and in its classical form became a part of Hindustani Classical music. Its earthy lyrics are sung in the Sairaiki and Multani dialect of Punjabi but still enunciate beautiful Sufi philosophy.
Dr. Shanno Khurana, one of the very few living exponents of this art form agreed to be our principal resource person. She had imbibed this art from her Gurus. Sufi Raha by Dr. Shanno Khurana is an album of the music of three Tappas. The Album Sufi Raah – by Dr. Shanno Khurana is a PARZOR Foundation contribution to the preservation and promotion of the heritage of humanity. May its listeners find peace and joy as Shanno hauntingly sings: “You, I crave – my Lord, the object of my Devotion”. The recording contains 3 Tappas in Kafi Raga, Jangla Raga and Bhairavi Raga.
This Project from many years ago resulted in an album that was made available for purchase as a CD. While Parzor still has some CDs remaining, you may obtain a digital copy from our office.
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