4-day show on Parsis from April 10

Parsis are followers of one of the oldest revealed religions of the world. They are known to be among the most illustrious in their contribution in all their activities. But very few know about the roots of the community or their lives today.This week, the Frohar Foundation, a charitable trust, is organising a four-day exhibition that will tell the story of Zoroastrians – as the Parsis are also called after their prophet Zarathushtra – tracing their travels from Persia to India and how the community has evolved over the centuries.The show, 'Chronicles of Zoroastrianism', will depict religious practices and celebrations unique to the community, like 'Jashan' (the special prayers on a birthday or other anniversaries), 'Navjote' (the initiation ceremony for children), and the marriage ritual.The exhibition opens on Thursday evening at Allbless Baug, Charni Road, and entry is free to all.There are models displaying the interior of a fire temple (also called agiary) where Parsis worship, and the Tower of Silence (or Dokhma) where the dead are laid to rest.Visitors to the exhibition will also learn something about how a Parsis family lives through pictures about their households."These are 2D and 3D miniature models that will give people an understanding of what it is like inside an agiary. It is something very few people who are not Parsis know about," said Cyrus Dastoor, managing trustee, Frohar Foundation.The foundation aims to help reintegrate the ancient culture with a modern outlook. "While Parsis are known, their culture and traditions are not well known among the common people," said Dastoor.There will be plenty of charts, posters, audio-visual presentations, and even cultural and entertainment sections during the event.