Mumbai: Parsi-Zoroastrian Community Marks 200th Humbandagi At Historic Bhikha Behram Well In Churchgate
The Parsi-Zoroastrian community gathered at Mumbai’s historic Bhikha Behram Well in Churchgate to celebrate the 200th Humbandagi and the 13th Foundation Day of XYZ. The event featured communal prayers and cultural activities aimed at preserving Zoroastrian heritage.
Members of the Parsi-Zoroastrian community gather at Bhikha Behram Well in Churchgate to celebrate the 200th Humbandagi and promote cultural fellowship | Photo Credits: Salman Ansari
The special Humbandagi coincided with the 13th Foundation Day of XYZ (Xtremely Young Zoroastrians), an organisation dedicated to fostering togetherness, camaraderie and cultural values among young members of the community.
The group works towards nurturing children into responsible individuals while instilling Zoroastrian values through fellowship, prayer and service-oriented activities.
Jashan ceremony performed by children and families
The communal Humbandagi followed at 5.30 pm, drawing devotees and families to the heritage-listed well, which holds immense religious and cultural significance for Parsis in Mumbai.
Tradition of prayer and fellowship celebrated
Humbandagi, or communal prayers, are traditionally conducted for health, peace and the well-being of society.
The event also highlighted the continuing efforts of younger generations to preserve and promote Zoroastrian traditions and heritage in the city.
Kshnotharo Ahuremazdao. Shapur Pheroze Billimoria.
This is an open well that has been providing sweet water at less than one kilometer from the sea for the past 200 years. The municipal authority could do well to conduct a hydro-cum-geological survey to know more about the subterranean formations.