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FAQ's

::	FAQ's
	Who are we so called Zoroastrians? Our ancestors, the Zoroastrians were members of the Indo-European family known as the Aryans. They called themselves Zoroastrians because they believed in the teachings of the first Aryan prophet, Zarathushtra. Zarathushtra was the first prophet to preach a monotheistic religion, and He was born in Iran(Persia) about 8000 years BC. He revealed that there was only one God, Ahura Mazda and that life in the physical world was a battle between good and evil.
	What is Jamshedi Navroz? This festival was celebrated as far back as the 6th century B.C. when legendary kings like Cyrus and Darius ruled over the Persian Empire. Celebration of this festival dates back to over 3000 years when the legendary king of Persia, Jamshedji ascended the throne on the day of Navroz. Nav means new and Roz means day. The day happened to be a vernal equinox- when the length of the day equals that of the night. Navroz marked the transition from winter to summer. Later, the particular day came to known and celebrated as Jamshed Navroz Festival. The advent of spring in February-March and the vernal equinox - these are the two events that mark the Jamshed-e-Navroz.
	What is the Jashan Ceremony? The Jashan Ceremony is one of the Zoroastrian liturgies which can be performed outside the confines of a fire temple. Thus it is possible to have jashans for Zoroastrian communities in the diaspora beyond India and Iran. The word Jashan is Middle Persian and derives from the Avestan Yasna orWorship Ceremony. During this ceremony we praise Ahura Mazda and invoke the Amesha Spentas and the Fravashis. A jashan is done to celebrate major passages in peoples lives, whether seasonal or within the community, such as births or marriages; it can also be done to celebrate other new beginnings, such as a new house or organization. Another situation calling for a jashan is more solemn: the remembrance of the souls of departed members of the family or community.