Bombay: The Telling Figures for 2004

After reaching a peak of 36 percent in 2003, the percentage of interfaith marriages in Bombay has declined to 31 percent in 2004 (if calculated as a ratio of 70 interfaith marriages to 156 community marriages).

In the past three leap years too (2000, 1996, 1992) it was noticed that fewer community marriages took place. In 2000, for example, there were only 131 community marriages while the next year the figure jumped to 258.

An equal number, 35 males and 35 females, opted for marriage partners from outside the community in 2004. In 2003 there were 56 percent males who had married out as against 44 percent of females.

Over the years Parsi marriages have been declining. In 1989, 383 Parsi marriages took place while in 2003 the figure was 193, almost half the figure of 15 years prior. Interfaith marriages on the other hand have increased from 62 in 1989 to 110 in 2003, once again close to double.

While Parsiana has not compiled annual average ages of brides and grooms, it appears over the last 14 years or so that the average ages have increased. From around 25 years for women and 30 years for men, the current ages are closer to 28 for women and 32 for men.

The number of deaths also has declined over the last 16 years or so from about 900-1,000 to less than 900.

As against 870 who were consigned to the dakhmas in 2003, 866 opted for dakhmenashini in 2004, 437 males and 429 females. Both the male and female count had reduced by two when compared to the 2003 figures. As against the 16 cremated in 2003, there were 17 who were cremated in 2004. While there were 10 males and six females who opted for cremation in 2003 the proportion was reversed in 2004 with seven males and 10 females opting for cremation. Although there are five electric crematoria in Bombay, Parsiana has access to data only from the Chandanwadi crematorium in south Bombay.

The Life Expectancy at Birth, calculated for those consigned at the Doongerwadi had rised to 77 years compared to 76 in the preceding two years. This is calculated on the basis of data made available to us by the Bombay Parsi Punchayet. It was highest at 79 years in the months of April and July, and lowest at 75 years in August 2004.

The birth count over the last two years remains exactly the same; 114 in 2003 and in 2004. However while 2003 saw the birth of 56 boys as against 58 girls, in 2004 there were 71 boys and 43 girls born. Although our birth count includes the offspring of out-married males and females, we are principally dependent on the data made available to us from two hospitals in central Bombay.

Given below are the 2004 figures pertaining to the Bombay Zoroastrian community based on records available to Parsiana.

Births: 114

Males 71, Females 43

Marriages: 226

Parsi 156

Intercommunal 70

Deaths: 883

Consigned: 866

Males 437, Females 429

Cremated: 17

Males 7, Females 10