Category Archives: Latest

Dastoorji N. D. Minochehr – Homji ‎– Homage Unto Ahura Mazda – Parsi Prayers

 

 

It includes:

  • A1 Kem Naa Mazda  00:00
  • A2 Hormazd Khodaae  02:08
  • A3 Jasa-May Avanghay, Mazda
  • A4 Deen No Kalmo (Pazand)  06:45
  • A5 Sarosh Baaj  11:08
  • A6 Ahmaai-Raesh-Cha  11:35
  • A7 Hazangrem  11:46
  • A8 Jasa-May Avanghay  12:12
  • A9 Kerfay Mozhd  13:09A10
  • A10 Aiwisruthrem Geh  13:48
  • B1 Haavan Geh  22:55
  • B2 Aatarsh Nyaaish  29:00

Gathas 101 – Class 1 to 5

 

The North American Mobeds Council (https://www.namcmobeds.org/) is a non-profit organization of Mobeds in North America, committed to providing religious guidance, training of Mobeds and increasing awareness of Zoroastrianism.
The President of NAMC Ervad Saheb Tehemton Mirza invited Dr. Karishma Koka to deliver the Gathas 101 course with her Mother Mrs. Jerou Panthaki RamMohan, for the NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies
This course had 101 registrants.
 
Ervad Tehemton has kindly given permission to share the recordings on Zoroastrians.net saying ‘I am sure others will benefit from your great course and will be inspired to live a good Zoroastrian life’.
 
The sessions were delivered in line with the guidance in the Gathas of Asho Zarathushtra the Prophet. 

 

 

 

 

 

To encourage attendees to reflect upon the great messages of Asho Zarathushtra Saheb in the Gathas, the following assignments were set at the end of sessions:
Session 1. To become aware of ones thoughts and developing ideas – to note them down and keep a journal of what one listens to, reflects upon and decides with responsibility in each circumstance in line with Spenta Mainyu (the beneficent force for Good progress) (in line with Yasna Ha 30.2)
Session 2. a. List the basic principles of the Zarathushti Daena as you have understood them.  
b. Please list the Amesha Spentas. What do they represent. How do you feel we may imbibe them within ourselves.
c. Optional extended Prep for those who would like to do this: Please list Gatha verses that you feel help understand the application of these Principles

d. Please identify three verses from the Gathas that you find relevant, and please link them to three other verses from the Gathas 

Please write your reasoning as you feel within yourself.  

Suggested reading includes: 

Gatha ba Maeni – translation of Asho Zarathushtra’s Gathas by Ervad K. E Kanga 

Translated by Ervad M.F Kanga 

Also: 

‘A Treasury of quotations from Zoroastrian texts, a revised and restructured version of “Moral extracts from Zoroastrian Books’ by Dr. Sir Jivanji Jamshedji Modi, original passages from Iranian texts & some new passages provided by Er. Dr. Ramiyar Parvez Karanjia 2002. 

Homage unto Ahura Mazda: Dasturji Dr.  Maneckji Dhalla 

Writings of Dasturji N.D. MinochehrHomji 

Session 3. a. Discuss the application of the messages of Asho Zarathushtra’s Gathas to i) Individual development ii) development of teams.

b. Discuss points mentioned in the Gathas that could be applied both to Spiritual and Material progress.  
c. In what way do the messages in the Gathas potentially apply to the concepts of Environmental and Corporate Social Responsibility?

For each of the above, please list the reference of the translation of the Gathas used.  

Session 4. Please evaluate the value from different perspectives discussed in class – of the Ahunavaiti Gatha being prayed at the time of the fresh beginning, i.e., the time of departing from the physical realm of this Earth.  Please evaluate and apply the concept in Yasna 30.2 individually (Listen, Reflect, Decide/choose …..) and reflect upon the perspectives of the   

a.The Soul that is starting the fresh beginning  

b.The Fravashi of the person (you may like to read further for this)  

c.The dear ones left behind in the physical plane  

d.The Community members attending the prayers  

e. Lessons of learning and reflection from any other perspective.  

 

Session 5. What the Gathas have revealed to me, and why would I want to study them further? 

 

Homage to Tishtrya – The Brightest Star

26th November, 2023, marks Roj Tir of Mah Tir, or the Parab of Tir, as per the Shahanshahi calendar. This auspicious day is observed as the feast of Tirgan. Since the Shahanshahi calendar is not intercalated, this festival of rain now falls during autumn. Regardless, it is a very special occasion to offer thanks to Tir Yazata for keeping us all free from Apaosa – the demon of draught.
Across civilizations, the celestial path of Sirius was observed and revered. Its journey inspired reverence, leading to its classification as a sacred entity. The appearance of Sirius in the night sky was often accompanied by grand feasts and joyous celebrations, paying homage to its profound influence and celestial splendor.
Tishtrya
Tir, or Tistar (Avesta Tishtrya), is the Divinity presiding over the Star Sirius (Greek Seirios which means glowing or scorching) or the Dog Star which is the brightest star visible from all parts of the earth in the night sky. Sirius is colloquially called the ‘Dog Star’, on account of its prominence in the constellation of Canis Major or Big Dog.
In the Tir Yasht, Tistar-Tir is venerated as radiant, glorious and invoked to bring rain, enhance harvest and keep the demon of draught at bay. Also, according to Tir Yasht (8.44), just as Ahura Mazda has ordained that Zarathushtra oversee the affairs of human beings on earth, so also Ahura Mazda ordained that Tishtriya oversee the workings of the stars.
In the Tir Yasht, we particularly invoke Tishtrya as, “Provider of rain, helpful and health giving”. In fact, Tishtrya yazata affirms in the same litany: “If men would worship me with the Yasna in which my own name is invoked, then I would render the world prosperous and fertile by showering rain”. The Tir Yasht also records the victory of Tishtrya over Apaosha, the demon of drought and ensuring happiness not just for people but all vegetation and animals.
Tishtriya or Sirius is our galaxy’s brightest star in the night sky. It is approximately eight and half light-years away, which means light from this star takes about eight and a half years to reach earth as compared to the sun of our solar system whose light takes about eight and a half minutes to reach Earth. Visible on a clear sky to the naked eye, it is seen to emit a mild violet tint.
In the ancient Veda this star was known as the Chieftain’s star; in other Hindu writings, it is referred to as Sukra, the Rain God, or Rain Star. The Dog Star is also described as, “he who awakens the gods of the air, and summons them to their office of bringing the rain.”
By the ancient Egyptians, Sirius was revered as the Nile Star, or Star of Isis. Likewise, ancient Egyptians observed that in the month of July, with the heliacal rising of the Star Sirius (Heliacal rising means the first night that a star is seen in the eastern horizon, just before dawn) the Nile generally started to flood and bring fertility to the land. Thus, the flood and the rising of Sirius also marked the ancient Egyptian New Year. The ancient Greeks also observed that the appearance of Sirius or the Dog Star heralded the hot and humid summer season causing plants to wilt and men to tire. The season following the star’s appearance came to be known as the ‘Dog Days of summer’, an expression still in use.
The festival of Tirgan is one of the three most widely celebrated seasonal festivals of ancient Iran. While Navruz (Mah Fravardin, Roj Hormuzd) celebrates renewed life and the warmth of spring after the cold winter season and Meherangan (Mah Meher, Roj Meher) commemorates harvest during autumn, Tirangan (Mah Tir, Roj Tir) welcomes the heat of summer and life-giving rain.
Tiragan is mainly associated with the legend of the arrow (tir), which is briefly alluded to in the Tir Yasht: “We honor the bright, khwarrah (glory) endowed star Tishtrya who flies as swiftly to the Vouru-kasha sea as the supernatural arrow which the archer Erexsha, the best archer of the Iranians, shot from Mount Airyo-xshutha to Mount Xwanwant. For Ahura Mazda gave him assistance; so, did the waters …”
The legend of Erexsha (modern Eruchsha) or Pahlavi Arish Shivatir i.e Arish of the swift arrow is also referred to in other texts like Firdausi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings) and Mirkond, History of the Early Kings of Persia, translated by David Shea. According to these later texts, Erekhsha or ‘Arish of the swift arrow’, was the best archer in the Iranian army. When Shah Minochihr and Afrasyab of pre-historic Iran decided to make peace, and fix the boundary between Iran and Turan, it was agreed that Arish would ascend a Mountain and from the peak fire an arrow and the place in which the arrow would land would form the boundary between the two kingdoms.
Arish thereupon ascended the mountain, and discharged an arrow, the flight of which continued from the dawn of day until noon, when it fell on the banks of the Jihun (the Oxus or Amu Darya in Central Asia, in modern times the border around Tajikistan and Afghanistan). The day was Tir Roj of Tir Mah. Thus, the festival of Tirangan also celebrates the spirit of peace and freedom.
The Persian Rivayat (essentially correspondence between the Zoroastrian Priests of Navsari in India and the Zoroastrian priests of Yazd in Iran) speak of a great draught in Iran as a result of the conflict between Iranians and Turanians. Shah Faridoon had segregated Iran and Turan under a covenant. However, the Turanians under Afrasiab breached the covenant. The arrow was released on Roj Tir of Mah Tir and when Afrasiab and the Turanians left Iran it took them ten days to reach Turan. The tenth day was Roj Govad (dedicated to the good wind) and it rained heavily on that day and ended eight years of draught and ushered peace and prosperity for both Iran and Turan.
Late Professor Dr. Mary Boyce, in her book, ‘Persian Stronghold of Zoroastrianism’ refers to the custom among Zoroastrians of Yazd in Iran, tying rainbow-colored bands on their wrists on Tirangan for ten days and then throwing them in a stream. These colorful bands were worn as good-luck charms and during this period children in particular found great joy in swimming or splashing around in the local village streams. The Rivayat however records that priests used to write a Nirang (short prayer) which members of the community wore on their wrist or arm on Roj Tir of Mah Tir and removed it after ten days on Roj Govad and cast it into running brooks and streams, symbolically casting all calamities (particularly draught and hunger) to the flowing waters to carry away.
Noshir Dadrawalla

WZCC Chicago Chapter Event on Preventing Cyber Threats

WZCC Chicago Chapter Event on Preventing Cyber Threats

Join us for this informative WZCC Chicago Chapter-organized event on Saturday, Dec. 2 (starting at 10am Chicago Time) during which cybersecurity expert, Mr. Pranav Kumar, will discuss “A Holistic Approach of Preventing Cyber Threats.”  More details are in the flyer below.

Zoom Link:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89625970985?pwd=K7chbTp4oG5cTlzsKFvBQCwJ1pGBD9.1

Passcode of Zoom: 280290

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND, PLEASE SEND AN EMAIL TO wzcc.chicago@gmail.com.  Attention:  Mani Rao, Chicago Chapter Chair.

Copyright © 2023 Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email as part of your subscription to ZACOur mailing address is:

Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago

8615 Meadowbrook Drive

Burr Ridge, IL 60527

 

“Becoming Farah” by Farah Rustom

Dear Friends,

Many of you in India will have personally met and known Farah Rustom in Mumbai and followed her unique personal story.  Farah has just released a book, titled “Becoming Farah”.  I encourage you to buy and read it.  It is available on Amazon in the paperback and/or kindle version. Thank you.

Amazon introductory text: “Farah’s cutting-edge gender reassignment surgery in 1976 created a sensation, as she was already well known as a pioneering lecturer on Western Classical Music Appreciation and a freelance journalist.  This is her astonishing, frank and unique story, honestly and movingly describing her many passions, experiences and travels around India. A moving portrayal of life in Bombay until the Eighties, belonging to a very special and distinct community little known outside of India, namely the Parsis, originally from Persia. It is a portrait of a wonderful and very special city in a joyfully creative and fascinating era, now sadly gone forever, although as every person who grew up in Bombay will attest, once the city becomes a part of you, it is there forever.”

 

Preserving Mumbai’s Cultural Legacy

Virtusa Corporation Supports Restoration of the Iconic B.J.P.C Institution

Mr. Rustom N.B, Trustee of the BJPC Institution and Mr. Santosh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Virtusa Corporation unveiling the coffee table book at the successful completion of the restoration project of the Institution in Mumbai today – Photo By GPN

Mr. Ram M, Chief Technology Officer, Virtusa Corporation, Swwapnil Joshi, Actor and Alumni BJPCI, during the unveiling of the Plaque after the completion of the restoration of the Institution in Mumbai today – Photo By GPN

Mr. Rustom N.B, Trustee of the BJPC Institution Lighting the Ceremonial Lamp – Photo By GPN

Virtusa Corporation and the Trustees of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) jointly unveil a Landmark Restoration.

Virtusa Corporation alongwith The Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) celebrated The Grand Unveiling Ceremony of the Renovated B.J.P.C.I Facilities and A Captivating Coffee Table Book – Unwrapping The Story of a Landmark Restoration in presence of Swwapnil Joshi, Indian Film & Television Actor & alumni; Mr. Santosh Thomas, CEO, Virtusa Corporation and Mr. Rustom N.B. Jeejeebhoy, Trustees of The B.J.P.C Institution today Thursday, 9th November 2023 at Venue:The B.J.P.C Institution, Maharishi Karve Marg, Opp Charni Road Station, Girgaon, Mumbai – 400004.

MUMBAI, 9th NOVEMBER, 2023 (GPN) – Virtusa Corporation, a leading provider of digital engineering, and technology services through its philanthropic arm, Virtusa Foundation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) Heritage School Restoration Project. The restoration of this iconic institution not only preserves a vital piece of history but also underscores Virtusa’s commitment to fostering education, empowering future generations, and contributing to a sustainable environment.

Furthermore, Swwapnil Joshi, renowned actor and an esteemed alumnus of the B.J.P.C.I, graced the event with his presence. In addition, Santosh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Virtusa Corporation, Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa Corporation,  Ram Meenakshisundaram, Chief          Technology Officer, Virtusa Corporation and the B.J.P.C.I trustees together unveiled the captivating Coffee Table Book – “Unwrapping The Story of a Landmark Restoration,” making the event a truly exceptional and meaningful occasion. 

At the event, Santosh Thomas, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Virtusa Corporation, emphasized, “It has been a great privilege for Virtusa to collaborate with the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) in the restoration of this historic structure. As a company that believes strongly in social responsibility, this project aligns with our corporate sustainability ethos.” 

He continued, “The Virtusa Foundation has built a comprehensive program to foster access to education for over 15 years. These initiatives have benefitted over 20,000 students. Today, with the restoration of this 132-year-old beautiful structure, we are able to mark another milestone in this mission that will benefit students and society for generations. The opportunity to support the restoration of this iconic building and preserve a piece of history that will provide opportunity to young minds will always be cherished. It has been an honour to help the B.J.P.C.I safeguard this mission so that the dreams of countless students can be fostered for years to come.”

Founded in 1891, the B.J.P.C.I holds an esteemed position in the annals of Mumbai’s cultural and educational history. Nestled at 33, M. Karve Marg, this architectural masterpiece stands as a cornerstone of the city’s rich heritage. The B.J.P.C.I is recognized as a heritage structure in Mumbai and was the recipient of The Urban Heritage Award in 1993 for being the “Best Preserved Monumental Building”.

Key highlights of the B.J.P.C Institution and the restoration project include:

  • Historical Significance: With a legacy spanning 132 years, the B.J.P.C.I stands as one of Mumbai’s oldest educational institutions, making significant contributions to the city’s academic landscape.
  • Architectural Marvel: The institution’s heritage building, designed by Master Architect Khan Bahadur Muncherji C. Murzban follows the Gothic Revival style and boasts unique teakwood screens and coloured glass elements.
  • Academic Excellence: The B.J.P.C.I offers a comprehensive educational program spanning from kindergarten to senior classes, serving over 1400 students. The institution consistently maintains an impressive 100% success rate in board exams, which stands as a testament to its steadfast commitment to academic excellence.

Amit Bajoria, Chief Finance Officer, Virtusa Corporation, echoed this sentiment, said, “Revitalizing a heritage school like the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) not only preserves its rich legacy but also empowers future generations.”

He further added, “Our participation in this initiative has brought us great satisfaction, and the accomplishment strongly aligns with the core pillars of the Virtusa Foundation: enhancing access to education, preserving our environment, and empowering society.” 

Rustom N.B, Trustee of The B.J.P.C institution, expressed gratitude, said, “Virtusa, our collaborators, have generously financed the restoration and renovation of the building. Their patience and timely input of funds made the difference between old and the freshly renovated appearance of our building. This building is a rarity in our city, and we are happy and honoured to say it will be sent as an entry for the UNESCO Heritage award by our architect. A resounding thanks to Virtusa Corporation from the trustees, staff, and students of The B.J.P.C.I.”

Through strategic partnerships and active community engagement, the Virtusa Foundation is dedicated to addressing societal challenges while paving the way for a brighter future. Virtusa employs an “Engineering First” approach to creative problem-solving, which empowers individuals and communities to enhance social outcomes for all. This approach is what Virtusa refers to as “Engineering with Purpose.”

About Virtusa:

Virtusa Corporation is a global provider of digital business strategy, digital engineering, and information technology (IT) services and solutions that help clients change, disrupt, and unlock new value through innovative engineering. Virtusa serves Global 2000 companies in Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Healthcare, Communications, Media, Entertainment, Travel, Manufacturing, and Technology industries.

Virtusa helps clients grow their business with innovative products and services that create operational efficiency using digital labor, future-proof operational and IT platforms, and rationalization and modernization of IT applications infrastructure. This is achieved through a unique approach blending deep contextual expertise, empowered agile teams, and measurably better engineering to create holistic solutions that drive the business forward at unparalleled velocity enabled by a culture of cooperative disruption.

Virtusa is a registered trademark of Virtusa Corporation.  All other company and brand names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective holders.

Virtusa Corporation Supports Restoration of the Iconic B.J.P.C Institution, Preserving Mumbai’s Cultural Legacy

 

Malcolm Baug Parsi Housing Colony

A Century of Tranquility Amidst Mumbai’s Hustle and Bustle

This month, the colony holds its centennial celebrations.

article-image
Malcolm Baug Parsi Housing Colony: A Century of Tranquility Amidst Mumbai’s Hustle and Bustle | Manoj Ramakrishnan/FPJ
Mumbai: As you exit the traffic-clogged S V Road near Jogeshwari railway station and enter the metal arches of the Malcolm Baug Parsi housing colony, you leave the noise and busyness of the city behind. The air temperature drops by degrees, and the smell of soot is replaced by the aroma of vegetation warming in the sun. The lanes, lined with early-twentieth-century bungalows and cottages, have a languid charm to them. The city’s Parsis call it a ‘hill station’ in the middle of Mumbai.Later this month, the colony will hold its centennial celebrations. The festivities will be low-key, and invitations are only for people who stay in the colony and former occupants. The residents do not want to invite the hustle and bustle of the city that surrounds them.

Malcolm Baug Parsi Housing ColonyMalcolm Baug Parsi Housing Colony | Parsiana magazine

Malcolm Baug Parsi Housing ColonyMalcolm Baug Parsi Housing Colony | Parsiana magazine

Colony inaugurated in November 1922

The colony was planned by N M Wadia Charities on the lines of the ‘Garden Suburbs’ that were being developed in London in the early 20th century. The first building and bungalow were inaugurated in November 1922. Like the other planned housing layouts such as Dadar-Wadala and Sion-Matunga, Malcolm Baug was the result of an idea to decongest the crowded localities in the southern part of the city that bore the brunt of epidemics sweeping the world in the late 18th and early 20th century. A plague epidemic, which had traveled across the world, is estimated to have killed more than 20,000 people and created an exodus out of the city. In 1898, the city created Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT), two years after the plague.

BIT took over vacant lands north of the city and created mixed-use layouts with planned roads, gardens, and public facilities. The book ‘N M Wadia and His Foundation’, first printed in 1961, links this history of the city to that of Malcolm Baug. An appendix to the book states: “During the early years of the twentieth century, Bombay appeared to be one of the most ill-fated cities in the world. The root of all the evils from which people suffered – insanitation and disease, malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis, plague – was acute house-famine, the concomitant of overcrowding. With a view to striking at the root of the malady for which the existing agency of the Bombay Municipality was not considered adequately equipped, a special agency, namely, the Bombay Improvement Trust, was created for the wholesale reconstruction of the city.”

Parsis were then a significant section of the population of Mumbai and were among those who needed more housing. The trustees of the N M Wadia Charities liked the idea of the new urban plans sweeping the city and decided to create a colony for ‘poor and ill-housed’ Parsis. They chose Amboli village near Jogeshwari railway station as the location for the ‘salubrious’ colony. The colony consists of apartments and also plots for single homes.

Around 300 families now live in the estate. Most residents will not live anywhere else. “I was born and brought up in this colony. I will not live anywhere else,” said a resident who ran a data center. “Where else in this city will you get such green patches and serenity? It is close to the railway station, and there is a fire temple. It is self-sufficient,” said the resident.

One resident who moved into the colony in 1991 after marriage said, “When you enter the colony, you will forget that you are in Mumbai.”

Others who moved out reluctantly share a nostalgia for the place. One reader wrote in the Parsiana magazine: “The Malcolm Baug of my long-ago memories was a self-sufficient world. It was a little Parsi republic whose citizens did not have to step outside its borders for their daily needs if they did not want to. The pauwallo brought bread. The eedawallo brought eggs. The machhiwalli brought fish. The goswallo brought mutton. The tarkariwalli brought vegetables. The doodhwallo brought milk. The paperwallo brought the morning Times, Express, or Free Press Journal. The mochi fixed shoes. The dhobi picked up the dirty laundry.”

Trustees of the N M Wadia Charities did not respond to messages and calls for a comment. The centenary celebrations will be spread over November 18 and 19, and there are no invites for ‘outsiders’.

Manoj Ramakrishnan

https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/malcolm-baug-parsi-housing-colony-a-century-of-tranquility-amidst-mumbais-hustle-and-bustle

NAMC Institute of Zoroastrian Studies – Upcoming Presentations and Courses

                           
                   
                            NAMC institute of Zoroastrian Studies
              
     We are pleased to announce our upcoming Discussion Group Presentations and Courses:
      Discussion Group Presentation – Zoroastrianism Outside the Box:   Prayer – What is it? – Sunday, November 26, 2023, 2:00 pm EST, 11 am PST
 Presenter: Ervad Jal Panthaki
  No registration is required for presentations.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82432181448?pwd=Mjh5dDJHOFJ2SmNBMXJqeXZqdnRTQT09

Meeting ID: 824 3218 1448      Passcode: NAMCIZS

 

 

 

Discussion Group Presentation – Zoroastrianism Outside the Box:  Mazda is not God – It is the Foundation of Creation – Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, 2:00 pm EST, 11 am PST

Presenter: Fereydoon Keshavarz
No registration is required for presentations.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82432181448?pwd=Mjh5dDJHOFJ2SmNBMXJqeXZqdnRTQT09

Meeting ID: 824 3218 1448   Passcode: NAMCIZS

Courses – Pre-Zoroastrian & Zoroastrian Dynasties – November 25, 2023 to June 8, 2024 – Saturdays @ 11:00 am EST
                                                              Peshdadian  – Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia –  Nov. 25, 2023 to Dec. 16, 2023
                                                              Kiyanian       –  Mr. Meheryar Rivetna        –  Jan. 6, 2024 to Jan 27, 2024
                                                              Achaemenid – Ervad Cawas Desai             –  Feb. 17, 2024 to March 9, 2024
                                                              Parthian       –  Dr. Xerxes Kotval                 –   April 6, 2024 to April 20, 2024
                                                              Sassanian    –   Ervad Behram Panthaki     –   May 11, 2024 to June 8, 2024
                                                              (See attachment for details) – Registration is required for each course.
For enrollment in any course please fill out the registration form using the QR code or by clicking the link given in the attachment.
NEW   ➡️➡️ – Online Mobed Refresher – A course designed for Ordained Mobeds of North America (for ordained mobeds only)
                                                              January 20, 2024 to February 17, 2024 – Saturdays @ 11:00 am EST
                                                             Instructor:  Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia
For enrollment in the course please fill out the registration form using the QR code or by clicking the link given in the attachment.
Associations and Organizations:   Please forward this announcement including attachments to all your members.  Thank you.
 
North American Mobeds Council

ZAC Celebrates the 7th Salgreh of their Atashkadeh 

A Day of Celebration
The 7th Salgreh of the Zoroastrian Association of California‘s Atash Kadeh was celebrated with great religious fervor and Parsi gusto on the 12th of November. The celebration started a day in advance with deep cleaning of the premises by volunteers Freny Bacha, Vira & Burjor Santoke, Dhun & Ketty Alamshaw, Jimmy Colabewala, Firoze Avari, Xerxes, Zane & Zara Commissariat, Ruzbe, Zubin & Farzan Daruwalla, Mehernosh Pithawalla, Kerman & Annu Dangore, Khushroo Dubash & Zerkxis & Zarrir Bhandara.

On the day of Salgreh, in the wee hours of the morning, the Chowks were done by Annu & Kerman Dungore, the hars and Torans were made by Rukshana Colabewala. A Hama Anjuman maachi was offered to Atashpadshah in all five gehs. A Jashan was performed in the morning by Ervads Ardaviraf Minocheherhomji, Kyan Arzan Lali, & Zerkxis, and Zarir Bhandara which was attended by about 75 Zoroastrians.

The ZAC Cleaning crew

 

The ZAC Youth in Action

The Importance of Service
After the Jashan, Zarrir thanked the donors Hootoxi and Dr. Ervad Ardaviraf Minocheherhomji who also sponsored the celebrations, and gave a brief talk explaining the terms:

  • Agiyary: A Sanskrit word meaning “Agni rakhvani jagya” which means Atashkadeh in Persian, which can store either of the three grades of fires Dadgah, Adaran and Atash Behram fire.
  • Dadgah fire: The ZAC Ataskadeh which houses the dadgah fire, which was duly consecrated under the guidance of Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal.

He stressed the importance of service, saying serving our community and humanity in general is serving God. Further, he stressed the importance of focusing on our feelings, emotions, that we derive from experiences, as we are living, feeling beings, by transforming our feelings, we can transform our thoughts, words, deeds, and our life.

 

Captain Khush & President Rooky Fitter, Ervads Minocheherhomji, Kyan Lali & Bhandaras,
Treasurer Firoze Gundevia, Secraetaries Vira & Burjor Santoke

A Time for Reflection
After which, he invited Ervad Dr. Minocheherhomji to speak, who said:

Anybody can donate money, but the important thing is the serving, which these ervads do so devotedly and the community coming here to pray. By quoting the Jasameavanghe Mazda prayer, he said:

We are peace-loving, bridge-building community. Hence, it is important that we stay united and spread peace in the world by decreasing the negativity and increasing the positivity quoting from the Haft Amshaspand Afrin. Further, he spoke about “Ossmoi oozaresva Ahura” Which means “You unfold to me, be with me Ahura, and if God is with you, you don’t need anyone else”and Ushtano Zato Athrav Yo Zarathushtra”  meaning “the whole creation rejoiced at the birth of Asho Zarathushtra, that is how great  our prophet is” engraved in Rustom Framna Agiyary Dadar, Mumbai

 

A Community Comes Together
At the conclusion, ZAC President Mrs. Rooky Fitter thanked the then President Mrs. Tehmi Damania and the ZAC community for their stupendous team work and that we have come a long way and we can continue to progress further unitedly.

A Delicious Feast
Afterward, the chashni was served along with the delicious compassionate Pulav Dal prepared by Reshma Rustomi, Ravo by Xerxes commissariat, and Flan by Dhun & Ketty Alamshaw, Fruits- Freny Bacha. The afternoon ended with merriment and laughter by the ZAC members. Everyone had a great time, and it was the perfect way to end the event.

A NAVJOTE BOOK LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!

The Navjote Book

An activity book for young Zoroastrians.

Interactive learning, games, stickers, templates for crafts and recipes! An excellent introduction to preparing young Zoroastrian children for the initiation into the faith and perfect for recently Navjoted children to enjoy.

The Navjote Book is available in India here and in the US here.

 

Don’t take our word for it, read our reviews!

“A must-have for young Zoroastrian kids. Making the understanding of our faith enjoyable through games, activities and coloring, this beautifully illustrated educational book will provide guidance to our young children for years to come.”

– Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor Vada Dasturji, Iranshah Atash Behram

 

 

“Authentic, modern, simple and zany – a wonderful combination for children. Delzin has done a wonderful job enabling children as well as youngsters to understand not only the religion and prayers, but also the customs and traditions, with oodles of fun and activities.”

– Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia Principal, Dadar Athornan Institue, Religious scholar 

 

“Delzin understands how young children learn and provides the necessary information on the Navjote ceremony in a beautiful manner.”

– Dr. Coomi S. Vevaina Professor Emeritus, INDIA Education Futurist, TEDx speaker, internationally acclaimed Educator

 

 

“The Navjote Book’ by Delzin Choksey is fundamentally different from similar books of the same genre in that it provides pre and recently Navjoted children with an interesting as well as fun time opportunity to learn about our faith, traditions and culture, that will create a lasting impact on their impressionable minds and stand them in good stead in the future.”

– Dinshaw K. Tamboly Chairman, The WZO Trust Funds

  The Navjote Book is available in India here and in the US here

For anywhere else worldwide please contact delzin@crispydoodles.com

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