Over 400 Parsis gather to mark Sanjan Day

Valsad: Over 400 Parsis gathered in the town of Sanjan in Umergam taluka here today to commemorate the arrival of the Parsis on Indian soil. This annual event, known as Sanjan Day, marks the arrival of the Parsi community in India around 1290 years ago, as they escaped persecution in Iran.

The occasion draws Parsis from all corners of the country, with local communities in Sanjan playing a central role in organizing this public celebration.

“Around 1300 years ago, we arrived in Sanjan from Iran with nothing, and the people here welcomed us with open arms. That’s why, as a gesture of gratitude, we celebrate this day. The priest from Udvada comes here, and we commemorate and reflect on our history,” said a Parsi woman.

The Parsis, arriving in Sanjan in the eighth century, found refuge under the hospitable King Jadav Rana, who allowed the construction of the Atashbehram fire temple

Formal recognition of Sanjan Day took place over a century ago with the establishment of the Sanjan Stambh memorial in 1920. This monumental column, standing 50 feet tall, crafted from Vadodara granite, adorned with 23 rosettes, symbolizes the arrival of Zoroastrians in India.

Commonly known as the “Sanjan Pillar,” it narrates the Parsi community’s survival and integration. A Parsi Dharamshala alongside further preserves the heritage, offering a resting place for visitors.

On this day, approximately 400-500 Parsis, both current residents and those who have relocated, embark on a pilgrimage to Sanjan. For many, it is a time to reconnect with ancestral roots, revisit history, and strengthen the bonds that transcend geographical distances. DeshGujarat