Zoroastrian Funeral Traditions: A Guide to the Tower of Silence

Zoroastrian funeral traditions are widely considered some of the oldest and most ecologically conscious rituals in human history. Rooted in the ancient Persian faith founded by the prophet Zoroaster, these practices emphasize a profound respect for the natural elements. Unlike many other global faiths, the Parsi community (Zoroastrians in India) avoids both burial and cremation, viewing these as acts that would defile the sacred earth or the holy flame. Instead, they turn to the "Tower of Silence," a method of sky burial that has intrigued and moved observers for millennia.

Understanding a Parsi funeral requires a shift in perspective—moving away from the modern Western view of decay and toward an ancient philosophy of spiritual purity and the restoration of the ecological cycle.

The Philosophy of Purity and "Nasu"

At the heart of Zoroastrian funeral traditions is the battle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu). In this worldview, death is not a creation of God but a temporary victory for the "demon of decay." Once the soul leaves the body, the physical remains are considered nasu (impure or polluted).

Because the four elements—fire, earth, water, and air—are seen as sacred creations, the Parsi community goes to great lengths to ensure a corpse does not come into contact with them.

• Fire: The supreme symbol of purity and the light of Ahura Mazda; therefore, cremation is historically forbidden.
• Earth: Governed by the deity Spenta Armaiti; burying a body is seen as "shuddering" the earth with impurity.
• Water: Must remain untainted by decay.

This philosophy led to the development of the Dakhma, or the Tower of Silence, where the body is exposed to the sun and scavenger birds—a process known as excarnation.

The Tower of Silence (Dakhma)

The Tower of Silence is a circular, open-air stone structure designed for the final disposal of the deceased. These towers are usually situated on hilltops or within secluded forests, such as the Doongerwadi in Mumbai.

The Interior Structure

The interior of a Dakhma is architecturally symbolic and highly organized. It consists of three concentric rings where the bodies are placed:

1. The Outer Ring: Reserved for men.
2. The Middle Ring: Reserved for women.
3. The Inner Ring: Reserved for children.

The Excarnation Process

Once the bodies are placed in their respective rings, scavenging birds (primarily vultures) consume the flesh. This is not seen as a gruesome act, but as the final act of charity by the deceased—providing sustenance to another living creature. Following this, the sun bleaches the bones until they are brittle.

Final Disposal

When the bones are completely dried and stripped, they are swept into a central ossuary pit (the bhandar). Here, they crumble into dust, aided by layers of charcoal, sand, and lime. This natural filtration system ensures that when monsoon rains wash over the pit, the runoff is purified before it enters the surrounding ecosystem.

The Ritual Journey: From Death to the Chinvat Bridge

A Zoroastrian funeral is not a singular event but a four-day spiritual journey. The community believes the soul remains near the body for three days, reflecting on its life and preparing for the transition to the afterlife.

The Sagdid (Dog Viewing)

One of the most unique aspects of the Parsi funeral is the Sagdid. A dog, preferably one with two spots above its eyes (referred to as a "four-eyed" dog), is brought to view the body. This ritual serves two purposes:

1. Verification: To confirm that the person is truly deceased, as dogs are believed to be sensitive to the absence of life.
2. Protection: To ward off the "demon of decay" (Nasush) through the dog's spiritual gaze.

The Sachkar and Prayer Services

The body is ritually cleansed and wrapped in old, clean white cotton shrouds. This process, called Sachkar, must be performed by professional corpse-bearers known as Nassasalars. Throughout this time, family members and friends gather in Bunglis (prayer halls) to recite prayers from the Avesta.

The Procession of Silence

When the time comes to transport the body to the Tower of Silence, the procession moves in absolute silence. Mourners walk in pairs, holding a white handkerchief (paywand) between them. This symbolizes mutual support and shared grief.

The 2025-2026 Vulture Crisis and Restoration

For the last three decades, the traditional Parsi funeral has faced a significant ecological challenge. India’s vulture population plummeted by over 99% due to diclofenac, a veterinary drug used on cattle that is toxic to vultures.

Solar Concentrator Restoration (2025)

In response to the lack of birds, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) installed massive solar concentrators (mirrors) above the Towers of Silence. In February 2025, a major initiative was launched to upgrade these systems. These mirrors focus sunlight onto the bodies to accelerate the dehydration and desiccation process, ensuring the ritual remains dignified even in the absence of vultures.

Vulture Reintroduction (January 2026)

A landmark development occurred in early January 2026. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) released six critically endangered, captive-bred vultures into the wild near Mumbai. This is part of a long-term conservation plan to restore the natural ecosystem of the Towers of Silence, allowing the community to return to its 3,000-year-old traditional "sky burial" methods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When discussing or attending services related to Zoroastrian funeral traditions, it is easy to misinterpret the rituals. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Calling it a "Parsi Cremation": As established, traditional rites are the opposite of cremation. Only about 18% of the community (largely at the Worli Prayer Hall) opts for cremation.
2. Assuming the Towers are "Gone": Despite the vulture crisis, the Towers of Silence remain active. The community has adapted with solar technology and filtration systems.
3. Wearing Dark Colors Unnecessarily: While dark colors are common in Western funerals, white is the color of mourning and purity in Zoroastrianism. Non-Parsi guests should wear modest, conservative clothing, but white or light colors are often more appropriate than black.
4. Touching the Mourners or the Body: In the state of nasu, physical contact is strictly regulated. It is best to offer condolences from a short distance (at least three paces) unless invited otherwise.

Conclusion

Zoroastrian funeral traditions represent a beautiful, if complex, intersection of ancient theology and modern environmentalism. From the silent stone walls of the Dakhma to the hopeful release of vultures in 2026, the Parsi community continues to fight for the preservation of its identity and its sacred duty to protect the earth. While the "vulture crisis" forced the community to innovate with solar technology, the core philosophy remains unchanged: death is a return to the elements, conducted with the highest regard for purity and charity.

As the community navigates the challenges of the 21st century, these rituals serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the human desire to leave the world as clean as we found it.

Related Reading:

• Buddhist Funeral Traditions
• Hindu Funeral Traditions
• Baha'i Funeral Traditions
• Greek Orthodox Funeral