This is one of the oldest religions in the world. It was founded in Persia by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in the 6th or 7th century B.C. He was born in Mazar-Sharif, what is now in Afghanistan. At one time, Zoroastrianism stretched all the way from India to the Mediterranean, but today it is found only around Shiraz in Iran, Karachi in Pakistan and Bombay in India. The followers of Zoroastrianism are known as Parsis because they originally fled to India to escape persecution in Persia.

Zoroastrianism was one of the first religions to postulate an omnipotent and invisible god. Their scripture is the Zend-Avesta, which described the continual conflict between the forces of good and evil. Their god is Ahura Mazda, the god of light, who is symbolized by fire. Humanity ensures the victory of good over evil by following the principles of humata (good thoughts), hukta (good words) and huvarshta (good deeds).

Parsis worship in fire temples and wear a sadra, or sacred shirt, and a kasti, or sacred thread. Children first wear these sacred items in a ceremony known as Navjote. Eternal flames burn in their fire temples and are worshipped as a symbol of their god. Since Parsis believe in the purity of elements, they will not cremate or bury their dead as this might pollute the fire, earth air or water. So they leave their bodies in 'Towers of silence' where they are soon cleaned off by vultures.

Although there are only about 85,000 Parsis, they are very successful in commerce and industry, and have become notable philanthropists. Parsis have influenced far greater than their numbers would indicate, having acted as a channel of communication between India and Pakistan when the two countries were at loggerheads. Their numbers are gradually declining because of the strict requirement that a Parsi must only marry another Parsi. The offspring of mixed liaisons are not regarded as true Parsi.