Legal Formalities of a Parsi Marriage

All Parsi marriages are governed by the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936. In order to fall under the purview of this Act, both parties of the wedlock must be Parsi, or followers of Zoroastrianism.

Valid Parsi Marriage Registration

Zoroastrianism states that marriage is a spiritual discipline, and not a mere civil contract. Therefore, a Parsi wedding ceremony can only be conferred by a qualified Parsi priest. For the union to be legal, the marriage must be solemnized by the priest in an ‘Ashirvad’ (blessing) ceremony. Besides, at least two Parsi witnesses must be present during the ceremony to vouch for its legitimacy.

The officiating priest must certify the wedlock on the certificate given under Schedule II of the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. This certificate must also be duly signed by the bride, bridegroom and the two witnesses. The said priest has to thereupon send the certificate to the Registrar of the place where the marriage has been solemnized, who makes a formal record of the union.

Marriage Norms in the Parsi Community

The Parsis are an extremely endogamous and monogamous group. While the Parsi community initially frowned over alliances between priestly and non-priestly families, the dwindling size of the community has bought about several legal reforms. Marriages between consanguine and affine relatives are deemed legal, and have become a common practice. In fact, parallel-and cross-cousin marriages as well as inter-generational marriages, such as between niece and uncle, are legally permitted.

Legality of Inter-Faith Parsi Marriages

The legality of a marriage between a Parsi and a non-Parsi is still debatable. The Parsi laws, however, acknowledge the conversion of a non-Parsi into Zoroastrianism. A Parsi who marries outside the community is also not bared from practicing Zoroastrianism. Besides, the child of such wedlock is can not be refused from receiving the Parsi thread ceremony.