Parsis Of Ahmedabad

Parsis are a diminishing minority community in India, who migrated over a thousand years ago from Persia to escape persecution. Even though Parsis have lived in India since several decades and have mingled, different cultural behaviour and religious practices give a glimpse of the remnants of their past history. If a Parsi marries outside their religion, they cease to be a part of the community. This practice is also responsible for their diminishing numbers. Though many differences arise out of a diversity of trade, professions, social and economic situations, as I visited Parsi homes in Ahmedabad, I realised that while each home was unique, there was a thread connecting them. The photographs of relatives, the toran (door hanging) made of beads, antique floral crockery, their pets, their love for nature apparent in everything, including the use of floral prints, decorative flowers, whether fresh or artificial, and the lingering influence of the British. Parsis worship nature and it is seen apparently through their love and kindness for animals and environment. Their worship of nature seems to translate to caring for and preserving things, which also makes their lifestyle sustainable. At Parsi gatherings one comes across peals of laughter and kissi koti (hugs and kisses) which gives one a glimpse about the fun-loving close-knit community. I grew up in Mumbai where Parsis were part of my formative years - in the form of close friends, my school teachers and principal. It is a community, which I have been in touch with since many years, but this the first time that I had the opportunity to work with them as a professional, looking in from the outside. Observing small details, looking at them from a stranger's eyes to present to the outside world has been quite a fulfilling experience.