Towers of Silence

Sacred Towers

Roman Mars explores the Towers of Silence, a sacred Parsi funerary site in Mumbai, highlighting its historical and religious significance. The towers, known as dahkmas, are stone structures where deceased Parsis are placed for sky burials, a practice rooted in Zoroastrian beliefs that bodies become contaminated with evil upon death 1. Khojeste, a key figure in preserving this tradition, recounts his journey from skepticism to advocacy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these customs despite modern challenges 2.

The towers of silence for Khojeste, it all started back when he was a student and on a trip to Iran.

--- Roman Mars

The practice faces threats from urban development and the decline of vultures, which play a crucial role in the decomposition process 1.

   

Urban Pressures

The Parsi community's funerary practices are under pressure from urbanization and modernity, as Roman Mars discusses the encroachment of skyscrapers around the Dungarvadi forest in Mumbai. This development threatens the sunlight necessary for the decomposition of bodies in the Towers of Silence, as vultures have largely disappeared 3. Rashne Pardivala, an ecologist, attempts to mitigate this by planting tall trees to obscure the view from surrounding buildings, but this inadvertently blocks sunlight 3.

The whole forest is going to be in darkness and in shadow. Is that going to serve the purpose? That's going to be counterproductive to the Dukmasai system.

--- Roman Mars

Additionally, the dwindling Parsi population raises concerns about the potential loss of their sacred land to government control, as seen in other parts of India 4.

   

Community Tensions

Internal conflicts within the Parsi community have intensified due to differing views on funerary practices. Roman Mars recounts how Etcetera Dunbaria's controversial photographs of decomposing bodies sparked outrage and debate over the preservation of traditional rituals 5. Her actions led to a schism, with some advocating for modern methods like cremation, while others, including Khojeste, insist on maintaining orthodox practices 5.

People wanted to ostracize us, that we are renegades, we are down, we are out to destroy the religion.

--- Roman Mars

The conflict reached the Supreme Court, highlighting the deep divisions within the community and the challenges of balancing tradition with contemporary needs 5.