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May 3, 2023 7 tweets 4 min read Read on X
For #LegendaryWednesday this week, let's take a look at some of the beliefs about fire, and fire deities of Pakistan's Parsi community - a short thread: Image
The Zoroastrians see the fire is seen as a symbol of life, energy, and growth. It is also associated with the sun and is believed to have healing powers.

#LegendaryWednesday Image
Atar, the God of Fire, in Parsi tradition, is considered a powerful deity who has the ability to purify and cleanse the world with fire. He has battled several demons of darkness like Azi Dahaka & Apaosha to restore order to the world.

#LegendaryWednesday Image
In Zoroastrian belief, life was created from the love affair between Atar, the God of Fire, and Anahita, the Goddess of Water.

#LegendaryWednesday ImageImage
It is the God of Fire, Atar, who also has the power to transform metal into minerals and is the one who taught man how to forge metal.

#LegendaryWednesday ImageImage
Fire is believed to be the visual representation in this world of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism. It can also be a messenger of the gods and is associated with prophecy and divination.

#LegendaryWednesday Image
The Parsi temple in Karachi is one of the most sacred fire temples in the world. Built in 1918, it houses three grades of fire that are tended by priests. Open to both, worshippers and visitors, non-Zoroastrians are not allowed to enter the inner sanctum where the fire is kept. Image

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More from @folkloristan

Oct 1
When Sikandar conquered parts of the Indian Subcontinent, he appointed one of his men there, and went back.
Soon after, the people of the Subcontinent rebelled against him, and appointed a new King. Image
However, he soon turned tyrannical, and no one dared to utter a word against him. A great philosopher at the tome, tried to make the King see sense, however, he was imprisoned. Image
When the King needed the philosopher, he freed him again, and the scholar then wrote the book, Kaleela Wa Dimna. Kaleela and Dimna are two jackals, the main characters in the story. Image
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Aug 14
What better time than Independence Day to remember Hafeez Jalandhari, the man who wrote Pakistan’s National Anthem. A thread on his other poems:

1) Abhi Tou Main Jawan Hun
A romantic poem, it speaks of youth, love, and the intoxication of ishq

rekhta.org/nazms/abhii-to…Image
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2) Fursat ki Ek Tamanna Main

The poem laments what we now know as “the grind” - and he wishes for a moment to enjoy the garden, a view by the riverside, and the mundane in life.

rekhta.org/nazms/fursat-k…
3) Tauba-Nama

He writes on the human condition, the city of Lahore, the craving to be seen, heard, and eventually, forgiven.

rekhta.org/nazms/tauba-na…
Read 5 tweets
Jun 9
In most parts of Pakistan, it is common for young girls to braid their hair parted in the centre, with two braids. Older women however, tie up their hair in one single braid.

A thread on plaiting hair:
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Kalasha women however, a unique ethnic group, wear several braids in their hair throughout their lives. Little girls may wear their hair in one or two braids, but older woman have more plaits. Image
Mongol maidens tie their hair in several braids, but as they grow older, they make two braids. Mongols see the hair as an extension of the body, which is why Mongol women cover their braids.
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Read 8 tweets
May 8
With #Heera_Mandi trending, perhaps it is time to introduce you to Azeezun: the real-life courtesan and freedom fighter from the 1857 War of Independence: a thread
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Following the British recapture of Kanpur, Lt. Col. Williams was tasked with investigating the events. Nanak Chand, a loyalist lawyer, and Janakee Prasad, a merchant, provided recorded testimonies mentioning Azeezun, a courtesan. Who was she, and what do we know of her?
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She was nicknamed "the Demoisello Theroigne of the revolt" by the British for she rode on horseback, dressed in the uniform of the 2nd cavalry, armed with pistols and decorated with medals.
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Read 8 tweets
Apr 11
Muslin, an ancient cloth from Bangladesh, renowned for its fine, gossamer finish, has a history of trade which spans as far back as to ancient Greece. While much has been documented about its historical significance, folklore surrounding it is less frequently discussed. A thread: Image
In later times, the fabric was a favourite for Mughal royalty. Nicknamed “baft-hawa” which means “woven air” – travellers recorded that it was so fluid that one could pull 91m through the centre of a ring. Another said that 18m of Muslin could be fit into a pocket snuff box.
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The fabric was weaved with thread so delicate that it was often invisible to older people. Hence, spinning the thread was almost exclusively done by young women. Image
Read 7 tweets
Feb 16
Pakistan is home to a handful of educational institutions with stunning architectural heritage. A short thread:
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1/ GCU Lahore; Est. 1864

The building was designed by W. Purdon, Superintendent Engineer, and constructed under the supervision of Executive Engineer Kannhaiya Lal. It was completed in 1877 at a cost of Rs. 320,000. Image
2/ FCU; Est/ 1864

Initially founded by Dr Charles W Forman, a Presbyterian missionary, as the Lahore Mission College, in 1894 its name was officially changed to Forman Christian College in honor of the founder. Image
Read 6 tweets

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