How does a tradition survive across millennia? How is knowledge preserved, practiced, and passed on—not just through texts, but through memory, ritual, and everyday life?

The module “Orality, Customs and Ecology”, part of the TISS–PARZOR Online Certificate Programme on Culture & Heritage Studies, invites you to explore these questions in depth. Convened by the deeply committed Dr. Kerman Daruwalla, the course offers a rich and layered understanding of Zoroastrian traditions as living, evolving practices.

At its heart, the module examines how knowledge lives. It traces the oral foundations of Zoroastrianism, where sacred texts were carefully preserved and transmitted through generations long before they were written down. It explores customs and festivals not as static rituals, but as dynamic expressions of identity, shaped by time, place, and community, across both Iran and India.

Equally significant is its focus on ecology. Zoroastrianism’s deep reverence for the natural world is woven into everyday practice—from the sanctity of elements like fire and water to contemporary environmental initiatives. The course highlights how faith, culture, and sustainability intersect in meaningful and urgent ways.

Envisioned by Prof. Shernaz Cama in collaboration with TISS, the TISS–PARZOR Online Certificate Programme on Culture & Heritage Studies offers a rich and immersive exploration of the history, culture, heritage, and living traditions of the Parsi Zoroastrian community. Designed to inspire learners across generations, it encourages curiosity, dialogue, and critical engagement.

Module Details

• Duration: Five weeks
• Class Days: Monday and Thursday
• Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (IST)
• Access: Recordings of all sessions will be available
• Fee: Concessional rates for full-time students

What Will You Learn?

Each session brings together leading scholars and practitioners:

• An introduction to Zoroastrianism and its rituals with community leaders like Mr. Khojeste Mistree and Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia
• Insights into the oral transmission of Zoroastrian texts from distinguished global scholars such as Dr. Sarah Stewart and Dr. Miguel Ángel Andrés-Toledo
• Explorations of Zoroastrian customs and festivals in Iran and India by Ms. Firoza Punthakey Mistree and Dr. Shervin Faridnejad
• Understanding ecological practices within Zoroastrianism with environmentalist Dr. Rashneh Pardiwala

Highlights & Takeaways

• Learn how Zoroastrian religious traditions were preserved orally for nearly two millennia
• Experience Dr. Mariano Errichiello’s vivid exploration of the sacred Nirangdin ceremony
• Discover environmental initiatives such as the Doongerwadi greening and water-harvesting projects at agiaries
• Hear voices from Zoroastrian Iran on living traditions, rituals, and cultural practices

Who Can Join?

No prior knowledge required
No age limit
Fully online
Open to all—students, professionals, senior citizens, and lifelong learners

Career Pathways

The programme can open doors to diverse fields, including:

• Journalism & Film
• Teaching & Research
• Tourism & Heritage Work
• Cultural Studies & Documentation

Ready to begin this journey?

For more details, contact Freny Daruwalla at 8007999490 or tiss.parzor@gmail.com.