Section 10.1: Hindu: I Am in Relationship with a Parsi

Section 10.1: Hindu: I Am in Relationship with a Parsi

Sujata says:

I am in a relationship with a Parsi guy. I want to ask something. Is it ok to marry a Parsi? I mean I don’t know the religion much. Please explain me about his religion and what’s the difference between Parsi and Farsi? —Sujata

Admin says:

Hello Sujata,

Obviously yes, it is okay to marry anyone. However considering there are only a very few Parsis left in India, they are very protective of their culture (Parsi) and religion (Zoroastrian).

If a Parsi marries a Hindu, he/she may ask for:

1) A marriage without Hindu rituals (a marriage in front of fire is not allowed in their religion), and

2) The children by this marriage must have Parsi names and be raised as Parsis only.

In these respects, for Hindus, Parsis are not any different than Muslims, Christians and Jews. However, unlike Christians and Muslims, Parsis and Jews do not believe in proselytism.

Please note that Farsi is a language of ancient Persians, while Parsi refers to a group of people. Here is the information that you requested from stated relevant sources:

Who is a Parsi? “A Parsi or Parsee is an ethnic Persian member of Zoroastrian communities in India. They descended from Greater Iran who immigrated to Gujarat in western India during the 8th or 10th century to avoid persecution by Muslim invaders who were in the process of conquering Iran.”

Why only a few Parsis left? “Perhaps 61,000 Parsis are left in India today, three-quarters of them in Mumbai. Parsis often marry late or not at all and therefore have a low birth rate. Many migrate to the West. The group’s closed nature poses more problems. The children of women who marry outside do not count as Parsis, despite an otherwise progressive attitude to women. Some Zoroastrian priests do not admit converts.” —Admin