PLACES TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF PARSI HERITAGE IN INDIA

01

Sanjan

According to old records, the Parsis first arrived in India in the 8th-10th century and Sanjan was the first place where they set foot. Sanjan town is situated in Umargam taluka in Valsad district, Gujarat. Being the first settlement of Parsis in India, Gujarat, by default, is also an important heritage destination for the Parsis. Over time, the Parsis moved to Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, which has the largest number of Parsis in India.

Over the years, the Parsis have not only managed to integrate into the Indian society, but have also maintained their rich culture and heritage.

Here are some of the best places in India, where you can experience the beautiful Parsi culture and heritage.

02

Udvada

Udvada is a coastal town situated in Pardi in Valsad district, Gujarat. It is also one of the most important places for the Parsis. The town is home to the Zoroastrian temple, Udvada Atash Behram. The Atash Bahram fire temple is the most sacred of all Zorastrian temples in India. The holy fire has been continuously burning for centuries now, making it one of the oldest continuously burning fire temples in the world.

03

Baroda

Baroda is located in Sayajigunj in Baroda, Gujarat. The city is home to Parsi Agiary, the first Parsi temple in Baroda (1923). The temple was built by the then state contractor for the Baroda state, Faramji Contractor, for the Parsi community living in the city. The temple is managed by the members of the family only. Parsi Agiary is a great way to get to understand the local architecture style mixed with the Parsi elements.

04

Pune

When you are in Pune, you can’t really miss MG Road, which is also one of the largest Parsi hubs in the city. It is a great place to experience Parsi food, especially the Camp area. Back in the day, Camp was a very popular landmark. In present times, Sharbatwala Chowk is probably one of the most well-preserved in terms of Parsi culture and heritage.

05

Bahrot caves

Bahrot Caves near Dahanu, Maharashtra, are the only Zoroastrian cave temples in India. Located approximately 25 km from Sanjan, Bahrot Caves once gave shelter to the Parsis when Sanjan was invaded by Alaf Khan, a general of Muhammad bin Tughluq in 1393. According to history, they hid in the caves for 13 years. When the Parsis moved to Bahrot, they also brought with them the holy fire – Iranshah Flame. This fire is now burning in the Atash Behram in Udvada.

06

Dadar Parsi Colony

Dadar Parsi Colony is the largest Parsi colony in Mumbai, and is probably the best. It’s a posh colony, where you will see art deco buildings. The colony is also home to the famous Five Gardens created by Mancherji Joshi, the founder of the Dadar Parsi Colony.

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