Why in the News?
Delhi Parsi Anjuman DPA is celebrating its 100 years of establishment in 2025.
About Parsis in India
• Parsis migrated to India around 8th century CE from Persia modern day Iran due to religious persecution.
• They followed sea trade routes and mainly settled in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Known for contributions in trade industry law healthcare and public life.
Parsis in Delhi
• First Parsi settlement in Delhi dates to the 19th century.
• Legend links early Parsi presence to Meherjirana the first Dastur invited by Mughal emperor Akbar during the 16th century.
• Major influx occurred after British shifted capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911.
• First recorded Parsi migrant to Delhi was Naowroji Kapadia from Bharuch Gujarat.
Delhi Parsi Anjuman DPA
• Established in 1925 by 40 trustees.
• Location Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg New Delhi.
• First President Naowroji Kapadia.
• Meaning of Anjuman Persian word meaning congregation.
• Objective Cultural spiritual and social hub for the Parsi community in Delhi.
• Current Parsi population in Delhi around 500 in 2023-24.
Key Institutions under DPA
• Dar-e-Mehr Zoroastrian fire temple established in 1961.
• Only Zoroastrian fire temple in North India.
• Dharamshala banquet hall and Katgara Hall newly renovated in 2025.
Important Facts for Prelims
• Delhi Parsi Anjuman founded in 1925.
• Centenary year 2025.
• Dar-e-Mehr in Delhi is the only fire temple in North India.
• Parsis played a key role in shaping Delhi’s legal architectural and healthcare institutions.
| Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO? (2024)
(a) Chhau dance (b) Durga Puja (c) Garba dance (d) Kumbh Mela |
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