Dr. Mariano Errichiello on Why Parsis Reject Conversion, Lost Rituals, and the Fate of Sky Burials!

Well, what more do I need to say? It was a truly fascinating conversation with Dr. Mariano Errichiello. Hang on—I'll tell you everything we discussed, but first, let me introduce Dr. Errichiello.Born in Naples, Dr. Errichiello is a scholar specializing in Zoroastrianism, with a focus on its history, rituals, texts, and modern communities. He serves as the Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer in Zoroastrianism and is the Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Shapoorji Pallonji Institute of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS University of London. His academic journey includes a BA from the University of Naples, followed by an MA and PhD from SOAS.Before entering academia, he held leadership roles at PwC in Latin America and the UK. His research explores modern Zoroastrian esotericism, funerary practices, and ritual performances among Parsis in India, where he has conducted extensive fieldwork, working with primary sources in Parsi Gujarati. Recognized for his contributions, Dr. Errichiello has received honors from the Ancient India & Iran Trust of Cambridge and the Early Career Prize 2023 from the Association for the Study of Persianate Societies and the Journal of Persianate Studies. He has also held fellowships at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilisations and Spiritualities at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and the Nordic Institute of Asian Studies at the University of Copenhagen.For me, it was a privilege to talk with him about a wide range of topics. We covered Parsi evolution, rituals, cultural practices, demographics, and why Dokhmenashini (sky burials) is no longer widely practiced. We also discussed why Parsis do not promote conversion. So many fascinating insights came to light!