"Let us commend the Zoroastrian community for their enduring legacy and continued contribution to the state of Texas and beyond... Their presence enriches the cultural diversity and strength of our great state,” declared Salman Bhojani, a Democratic Party member of the Texas legislature, when speaking at the Texas House of Representatives, proclaiming March 5, 2025, as Zoroastrian Day at the State Capitol. Known to be a champion for interfaith advocacy and sponsoring several House Bills focusing on the diversity of faiths in Texas, Bhojani introduced Zoroastrianism as an ancient faith "representing a tapestry of cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom.”
Top, from l: Ava Damri, Salman Bhojani, Kayomarz Sidwa; above: Texas Zoroastrians at the Capitol in Austin
A group of smiling Zoroastrians standing in the House gallery were delighted to hear Bhojani describe the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) as "a beacon of community service and spiritual leadership” and the Zoroastrian Association of North Texas as fostering "strong ties supporting growth and integration of Zoroastrian families.” He went on to introduce the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) as "a testament to the Zoroastrian community’s diversity and growth in the western diaspora fostering unity, mutual respect and cooperation among its members while promoting the principles of goodness, truth, reason, benevolence, implicit trust and charity towards all mankind,” as per a report shared in the FEZANA Bulletin of April 2025.
The attendees later met Bhojani and one of his co-sponsors, Texas House Representative John Lujan, in the historic Texas Supreme Court. FEZANA president Kayomarz Sidhwa presented the duo a token of appreciation. The group then proceeded to the Capitol chapel where Sidhwa and Ava Damri from the FEZANA Advocacy Committee placed the Tamam Khordeh Avesta by Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia alongside texts from other faiths — a first for Zoroastrians in the US. A second copy was presented to Bhojani for his office. A private Capitol tour, lunch at the Capitol dining room and a commemorative photo were the other highlights of the day.
Aban Rustomji (l) and Prof Miguel Ángel Andrés-Toledo
Exhibition at the Fondren Library at Rice University
Aimed to raise awareness about Zoroastrianism, its cultural heritage and contributions to society, the two-day events to celebrate Zoroastrian Days on March 5 and 6 were organized under the auspices of FEZANA. Damri coordinated the activities at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on the first day and Mahtab Dastur at Rice University in Houston the following day. Nearly 30-35 Zoroastrians from the cities of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and California had participated in the events.
The proclamation declaring March 6 as Zoroastrian Day at Rice University was presented by Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin’s office and was supported by Texas House representative Ann Johnson’s office. In her opening remarks, Dastur, a student at Rice University, referred to Adi Desai, the first Zoroastrian to earn a master’s degree from Rice (1959-61). In 2014, the first Zoroastrian Day had been celebrated at Rice University, hosted by Bahrom Firozgary. Joining this year’s event virtually from his clinic in California, Firozgary acknowledged the community’s support in his becoming a sports medicine doctor.
The highlight at Rice University in 2025 was a fireside chat hosted by ZAH member and founder of the FEZANA Information Research and Education Systems Aban Rustomji, with Prof Miguel Ángel Andrés-Toledo, the first FEZANA Professor of Zoroastrian Languages and Literature at the University of Toronto. The gathering that included Rice University scholars, students, Texas Zoroastrians and local Houstonians enjoyed a specially mounted exhibition "Zoroastrianism at a Glance: History, Faith and Culture,” at the Fondren Library. It featured items from C. M. S. (Cawas) Mody’s collection, FEZANA Journal periodicals, historical artifacts, religious garments, and a section dedicated to novelist Bapsi Sidhwa. (After working as a barrister in Bombay in the 1950s, Mody had moved to the US to pursue advanced degrees in political science and settled in Lawrence, Kansas. After his demise at the age of 92 in 2018, his religious personal items were donated to the Woodson Special Collections at Rice University.) The event concluded with a screening of the documentary Persepolis Recreated by filmmaker Farzin Rezaian. The attendees were offered a delicious spread of sandwiches and pastries from Cillie’s Cakes & Snacks (owned by Naushad Mehta) and a cup of chai.
Highlighting the significance of both days’ proclamations, Sidhwa reminded, "Diversity is not just a strength, it is a necessity. By embracing our differences and working together, we can create a world that reflects the best of humanity.” He further added, "Good thoughts, words and deeds are profound principles, not just the foundation of Zoroastrianism. They are universal values that can guide us all toward a brighter, more compassionate future.” Catherine Clack, associate vice provost of Rice University and head of its Multicultural Center spoke on the necessity of dialog in fostering curiosity, thought and innovation, highlighting that diversity encompasses thought, religion and experiences. ZAH president Aderbad Tamboli appreciated the efforts of those who organized and participated in the events that aimed to inform, articulate, and advance awareness of Zoroastrians in North America.