H.R. No. 404
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Members of the Zoroastrian faith who reside in Texas
are gathering in Austin on March 5, 2025, to celebrate Zoroastrian
Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Founded by the prophet Zarathushtra in ancient Iran
more than 3,000 years ago, Zoroastrianism is one of the world's
oldest monotheistic religions; Zoroastrianism flourished as the
imperial religion of three Persian empires, the Achaemenid,
Parthian, and Sasanian, during which times it was the dominant
religion of an area spanning from Turkey to China; and
WHEREAS, Today, there are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000
Zoroastrians worldwide; embracing the sacred text Avesta as the
foundation of their faith, they are defined by their belief in
truth, righteousness, charity, beneficence, respect and care for
the environment, and the triumph of good over evil, and they have
played a long-standing role in fostering interfaith dialogue and
understanding; and
WHEREAS, The Zoroastrian community in North America, which
numbers over 25,000 followers, includes those who arrived from the
Indian subcontinent, who are known as Parsis, and those who came
from Iran in search of religious freedom; more than 1,100
Zoroastrians reside in Texas, with the largest populations being
found in the Greater Houston area and North Texas; adherents in the
state represent a wide range of professions, and they include small
business owners and well-respected community members; and
WHEREAS, Encompassing a rich and diverse religious
tradition, Zoroastrianism inspires its worshippers to lead
virtuous lives through their words and deeds, and the Lone Star
State is enriched and strengthened by the many contributions of
members of this faith who call our state home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 5, 2025, as Zoroastrian Day at
the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to those who are
visiting Austin in observance of this occasion.
Bhojani
Bumgarner
Wu
Howard
Lujan
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 404 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House