Zoroastrianism had its genesis in Iran. The people who practise this religion are known as Parsis as they hail from Pars in south-west Iran. In 642 A.D. when the last Iranian empire was conquered by the Arabs, most Zoroastrians were forcibly converted to Islam. Others fled the country. Today, of the 1,30,000 Zoroastrians in the world, about 1,00,000 live in India. Although their number has never been very large, and is in fact dwindling, the Parsis have retained their identity very strictly.

The holy text of the Zoroastrians is the Zend Avesta, composed in a language belonging to the early Iranian group and resembling the language of the Vedas. The daily prayer book of the Parsis is Khordeh Avesta (the smaller Avesta). The Videvat are religious law books laying down codes of conduct and procedures for penance. The Yasna is the handbook of ceremonies, retreats etc, including the 17 cantos of the five Gathas - Abunavaiti, Ushtavaiti, Spenta Mainyu, Voha Khshathra, and Vahishtoishti.

All followers of Zoroastrianism have to wear the Sadra and Kusti, a narrow band round the waist. Aiwayaonhana (which also means `stormy sky') is the term used to refer to it in the Avesta. The band is woven out of 72 strands of sheep wool (symbolic of the 72 chapters of the Yasna) and is wound thrice round the waist symbolising the three cardinal tenets of the faith: good thoughts, deeds, and words. The Zoroastrian place of worship is called a Fire Temple.

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