In an old, neo-gothic building in Fort, an upmarket area in Mumbai, a run-down office produces one of the country's oldest Parsi magazines - Parsiana.
Started in 1964 by Pestonji Warden, a Parsi doctor, the magazine has served as a chronicler of the community, expanding its reach and subscriber base significantly over six decades. Unfortunately, due to dwindling subscribers, funding issues, and a lack of a successor, Parsiana will close its doors this October.
This closure marks a poignant moment for many Parsis who relied on the magazine for community updates and connection. It's like the end of an era, lamented Sushant Singh, 18, a subscriber. If you didn't know about Parsiana, you weren't considered a true Parsi.
After the announcement in an editorial last month, tributes began flooding in from around the world, reflecting the magazine’s deep connection with the Parsi community, including acknowledgements from readers expressing how it served as a bridge for Zoroastrians globally.
Jehangir Patel, the magazine's owner since 1973, transformed it into a platform for journalism that discussed sensitive communal issues with honesty and humor, bringing vital stories to light. He recalls his first controversial article regarding divorce rates within the community, emphasizing the magazine's commitment to addressing real problems.
The staff, many of whom are in their 60s and 70s, are preparing for a somber farewell, with no grand plans for their last day but to reflect on their legacy through upcoming issues. A once-thriving hub of community discussion and information will soon become a chapter closed in Parsi history.
