Zoroastrian Association of Arizona (ZAAZ) is a non-profit, socio-cultural organization founded by Dr. Darius Ghaswala, and Mr. Phiroz Rivetna on May 6, 1988. Its main aim is bring together Zoroastrians (Parsis as we are commonly referred to, in India) of diverse backgrounds. It includes families from the Phoenix area, Tucson, and Payson. We celebrate Zoroastrian festivals such as Navroz (New Year's which is on March 21) and Pateti (August). We have monthly events such as picnics, movie nights and meetings.

Events are organized by an elected committee , whose tenure is two years.

Mission Statement

The main objectives of the organization are:

1. promote brotherhood and unity among Zoroastrians.
2. inspire religious thought and feeling among Zoroastrian children.
3. examine and pursue ways and means of perpetuating the Zoroastrian faith.

Zoroastrianism is a religion which originated 3,500 years ago in Persia (modern day Iran). It got it's name from the prophet Zarathustra who attained revelation at the age of 30 years. His teaching are called the Gathas which when loosely translated mean "Hymns". They are the answers to spiritual questions about what is the purpose of man's life? Where do we come from and where do we go?

Zoroastrianism became the state religion of ancient Persia during the reign of King Cyrus, the Great of the Achaemenian dynasty. The religion prospered during the three major dynasties ie. Achaemenian, Parthian and Sassianian. After the Muslim invasion of Persia many of the Zoroastrians sailed to India and sought asylum, in 652 A.D.

Today most of the Zoroastrians have settled in India (mainly Bombay), UK, Canada, the US, Australia and Africa.