Prophet Zarathustra also known as Zoroaster founded this religion in Persia during 6th century B.C. and was born in Mazar-i-Sharif (now in Afghanistan). Though, there was a time when Zoroastrianism was spread from the Mediterranean to India, but now it is found only around Shiraz in Iran, Karachi in Pakistan, and Mumbai in India. The followers of this religion are known as Parsis as they hail from Persia, from where they fled to escape persecution. It is the first religion to claim and spread the belief that god is omnipresent and is invisible. 'Zend-Avesta', their holy scripture, also describes the conflict between good & evil forces. Ahura Mazda, their God is symbolized by fire. The essence of the religion is the philosophy that the good will win over evil by following the principles of Humata (good thoughts), Harkta (good words) and Huvarshta (good deeds).

Parsis worship fire in fire temples and wear a sadra or sacred shirt and a kasti or sacred thread because of their belief in the purity of elements. Unlike any other community, Parsis do not bury or cremate their dead but leave the bodies in 'towers of silence' where they are eaten by vultures, which is believed to be the ultimate good deed of the human being. In order to be a true Parsi, it is necessary that the father & mother both should be Parsis and this is the reason that their numbers are gradually declining.