Being born into the Zoroastrian faith, I had been curious about my community and its several aspects. I belong to the Zoroastrian faith that fled Iran in different directions to escape religious persecution, several hundred years ago. It was in India, due to the Hindu King's munificent benevolence, my ancestors were able to establish our religion, built fire temples (our places of worship), and continue to preserve both to this very day. We mostly live in gated communities, and follow our religious beliefs and traditions without an iota of fear.
Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers and believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom. We traditionally pray everyday and most of us wear ‘sudreh’ (undershirt made from muslin) and ‘kusti’ (lamb wool cord tied three times around the waist) to remind us of the maxim - Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. Prayers are recited facing the sun, fire or other sources of light representing Ahura Mazda's divine light and energy. (Khushnum Bhandari)
