Zoroastrian (Parsi) Funerals in the UK: Traditions and Arrangements

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest religions, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster) in ancient Persia. The UK Zoroastrian community — predominantly of Parsi heritage (Zoroastrians from India) — faces particular challenges in observing traditional funeral rites in a British context, because the traditional method of disposal is simply not available here. Understanding these traditions, and the adaptations the community has made, is essential for families arranging a Zoroastrian funeral in the UK.

The Traditional Dokhmenashini: Why It Is Not Available in the UK

Dokhmenashini — exposure of the dead in a Tower of Silence (Dakhma) — is the traditional Zoroastrian method of disposing of the body. In this practice, the body is placed on a circular tower open to the sky, where vultures consume the flesh. The remaining bones are eventually dissolved by rain and sun.

This practice is not mere tradition — it is rooted in Zoroastrian theology and purity law. The three sacred elements — earth, fire, and water — must not be defiled by a corpse. Burial contaminates the earth; cremation contaminates fire (fire being the most sacred element in Zoroastrianism). Exposure is therefore the method that avoids contaminating what is sacred.

Towers of Silence exist in Mumbai (India) and in Iran, where Zoroastrian communities maintain them. In the UK, planning permission, public health law, and the absence of vulture populations make Dokhmenashini impossible. The UK Zoroastrian community — approximately 5,000–6,000 people, concentrated in London and a few other cities — has had to adapt.

Approved Alternatives: Burial and Cremation

The World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) and community religious leaders have addressed the question of alternatives for diaspora communities. The position, which has been subject to ongoing theological debate within the community, is broadly:

• Burial in a lead-lined coffin: The lead lining is intended to prevent the body from contaminating the earth directly. This is the most commonly accepted alternative for UK Zoroastrians. The body is placed in the lead-lined (or other sealed) coffin and buried in a conventional cemetery. The ZTFE can advise on funeral directors who can supply appropriate coffins.
• Cremation: Theologically more contested than burial, as fire is the most sacred element in Zoroastrianism. However, some Zoroastrian religious authorities have accepted cremation as a pragmatic necessity for diaspora communities where no suitable burial alternative exists. Individual families should consult a Mobed on the appropriate approach for their circumstances.

The debate about acceptable alternatives reflects genuine theological complexity within a small diaspora community wrestling with observance of very old religious laws in a modern Western context. There is no single universally accepted answer, and families should seek guidance from the ZTFE and a Mobed.

Prayers and the Role of the Mobed

The Mobed — a trained and initiated Zoroastrian priest — plays a central role in funeral ceremonies. Zoroastrian priests are a hereditary class; priesthood passes from father to son. In the UK, the number of qualified Mobeds is small, and the ZTFE maintains contact with those available for ceremonies.

Key prayers and texts performed at Zoroastrian funerals include:

• Vendidad: A long text from the Avesta containing purity laws, prayers for the dead, and invocations against evil spirits. Traditionally performed overnight by two Mobeds. In UK diaspora practice, a shorter version is typically used.
• Sarosh Yasht: A prayer to Sarosh, the yazata (divine being) who guards and guides souls after death. Recited on each of the three nights following death.
• Ahunavar (Yatha Ahu Vairyo): The most important Zoroastrian prayer, recited at the graveside or crematorium.
• Ashem Vohu: A prayer of righteousness, recited multiple times throughout the funeral service.

All prayers are performed in Avestan — the ancient language of the Zoroastrian scriptures. Attendees who are not Zoroastrian, or who do not know Avestan, listen respectfully while the Mobed prays.

Ritual Purity and Handling of the Body

Zoroastrian purity law classifies the corpse (and those who come into contact with it) as highly polluting. Traditionally, only designated body-bearers (Nasasalar) — who undergo specific purification before and after handling the body — may touch the deceased. All others in the vicinity maintain a distance.

In the UK, the involvement of hospital and funeral home staff in handling the body is unavoidable. The community has pragmatically adapted these requirements. The Mobed and ZTFE can advise on current adapted practice, which may include:

• Attendees washing their hands after any contact with the deceased or the coffin, as a ritual purification.
• The use of nirang (consecrated bull’s urine, used in traditional Zoroastrian purification rituals) or water as a substitute in diaspora practice.
• Wearing white clothing (symbolising purity) to the funeral.

These requirements can be explained to a funeral director in advance so that the family’s wishes are respected as far as possible during the handling of the body.

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE)

The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) is the main Zoroastrian community organisation in the UK. Based at the Zoroastrian Centre in Rayners Lane, Harrow, the ZTFE serves the UK Zoroastrian community and wider diaspora communities in Europe.

The ZTFE can assist bereaved families by:

• Providing contact details for available Mobeds who can conduct funeral prayers.
• Advising on burial and cremation arrangements that are as consistent as possible with Zoroastrian principles.
• Providing or advising on access to the Zoroastrian Centre for prayers and community gatherings.
• Connecting bereaved families with the wider Zoroastrian community for support.

The ZTFE can be contacted through their website at ztfe.com or by telephone. For families outside London, regional Zoroastrian associations exist in Manchester and other cities — the ZTFE can advise on local contacts.