Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrians in the UK, of whom there are about 4,000, hail from both Iran and India (the ‘Parsis’) with only small numbers living in Yorkshire and the Humber and no place of worship (the only one being at the Zoroastrian Centre in London).
Zoroastrians accept the principles taught by Zarathustra, particularly the supremacy, power, perfection and wisdom of the eternal and ever-present Creator, Ahura Mazda, and the reality of Holy Spirit (Spenta Mainyu) and Destructive Spirit (Angra Mainyu). Key virtues – such as Good Mind, Best Order, Wholeness and Immortality – are personified by the Bounteous Immortals (Amesha Spentas). Everyday life provides repeated opportunities to choose between the forces of good and evil, with the over-riding principle being truth or righteousness. Initiation – the investiture of sacred garments for protection against evil – takes place for children before puberty. Prayer, the iconic significance of fire, and rituals to ward off the pollution of death are also important, as are the seasonal festivals of the Gahanbars, No Ruz, and occasions commemorating the birth and death of Zoroaster.
More information on Zoroastrianism from the BBC website