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"Our strength lies in our differences. The wisdom of the elders with the energy of the youth can weave a fabric for a resilient community,” commented Natasha Dungor at the concluding session at the 18th North American Zoroastrian Congress (18NAZC) in Houston last December when two senior program co-chairs and two co-chairs of the Youth and Young Adults program offered succinct comments on the three-day proceedings. The youngest co-chair at the Congress, Dungor commended the organizers for giving a platform for a diversity of views and unique perspectives. Fellow Houston youth, Ervad Rayomand Katrak observed, "The days of blind faith are gone,” recommending that cultural traditions serve as an inspiration for collaboration across generations towards a brighter future. 

"Each of us has a role to keep alive the Zarathushti flame that values truth and righteousness, to ensure the light never dims,” reminded Aban Rustomji, adding, "It is important we stand together as one community, united in spirit and purpose.” Reflecting on the organizing team’s efforts, Poras Balsara referred to the groundwork involved and the improvisations necessitated along the way, urging every participant to introspect on how he/she can strive to make the Congress theme "Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence” a reality. He was convinced, "The only way out is in.” 

  

  Natasha Dungor, Ervad Rayomand Katrak

  the royal glory at Independence Hall, Khojand, Tajikistan

Tajik traditions

In addition to the week-long celebration of Navroz, Mehrgan is one of the oldest Tajik festivals celebrated in October with harvest exhibitions and traditional culinary dishes, revealed Kersi Shroff when speaking on "Tajikistan’s Persian Zoroastrian Heritage: Modern Manifestations to Ancient Archeology” just before the concluding session. An attorney at law who worked for the US government for 33 years as a senior law specialist, post retirement Shroff has been an independent student of the civilizations and archeology of Central Asia and had even volunteered with a Russian-Tajik archeological expedition in Sogdiana (ancient city of Panjakent) and Bactria (erstwhile Takhti-Sangin).  

Joining him on the podium was architect Cyrus Rivetna of Chicago, knowledgeable in the history and designing of Zoroastrian fire temples, who had accompanied Shroff on a trip to Tajikistan last August and appreciated that "because of his connections we got a unique perspective.”

In a country which is predominantly Sunni Muslim, there are "Tajik nationalist intellectuals who claim Zarathushtra as a Tajik prophet and Zoroastrianism as their original national religion,” mentioned Shroff. The seven stars on the Tajik flag, some believe, represent the seven Amesha Spentas. In Tajikistan, there are 85 registered non-Muslim communities, including Zoroastrians. 

As further conveyed by Shroff, in the heart of the country’s capital Dushanbe, the Istiklol Square, inaugurated in 2022 to symbolize independence and freedom, has 14 wall frescoes, including depictions of the book of Avesta, Kings Kayumars and Jamshed, the rise of Cyrus the Great, and the Sasanians. At the National Museum of Tajikistan, there is a statue of Cyrus at the entrance, plus other Zoroastrian exhibits and a recreation of a fire altar. The botanical garden in Dushanbe has pillars resembling the columns in Persepolis. Many individuals in Tajikistan have Cyrus as their first name.

Archeological excavations, according to Shroff, have revealed many ancient religious structures from the Achemenian and Sasanian periods: one in Panjakent, and another in Takhti-Sangin at the confluence of three rivers, one of which is Amu Daria (historically the Oxus river that flows towards Afghanistan). They resemble the architectural styles of Zoroastrian temples and places of worship with a fire altar, portico and courtyard. The Panjakent mud hills have been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The Tower of the Sacred Fire in the ancient center of Darvaz on the Tajikistan/Afghanistan border featured a prayer tablet dedicated to the Panj river. Yet another site, Sanjar Shah, has 14 frescoes with one showing a priest wearing a padan with flames lapping at his feet. 

  Anaheez Karbhari, Ashdeen Lilaowala

A befitting brand

The final breakout sessions on the third day that Parsiana was unable to attend concerned "Carving the Zoroastrian Public Brand in North America” by a five-member youth brigade, and "Flourishing in Fine Arts: Spotlight on Creative Minds” featuring those celebrating diversity. 

The youth panel discussed strategies to safeguard and enhance the perception of Zoroastrianism in the media and arts, to highlight the social impact and service contributions of the Zoroastrian community, and to advocate for Zoroastrian values and interests in public policy matters. 

Concerned about projecting a befitting brand was session moderator Mahtab Dastur who is a freshman at Rice University studying social policy and medicine. She has served as Zoroastrian Association of Houston Youth Group president and is currently co-chair of the Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA) Religion and Culture Committee. Joining her on the panel with ZYNA connections were Parshan Khosravi, erstwhile chair of ZYNA and current chair of the FEZANA (Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America) Advocacy Committee. In addition to being California policy director for uAspire, a national nonprofit advocating for education access and equity he was recently appointed deputy treasurer of the Young Democrats of America. A music teacher and professional flute/piccolo player, Mahfrin Santoke was the socials chair for ZYNA and is working on a project with other Zoroastrian musicians to revive traditional Zoroastrian songs.

Serving as social media producer for the FEZANA communications team, creating innovative content, is Xenia Byramji, a Toronto based fashion designer who as a stylist at Burberry (a British luxury fashion house) curates personalized looks for clients. Holding a doctorate in physical therapy Anahita Hormozdyari is active with the community through Z-Sports and the Sacramento Zoroastrian Association, organizing gatherings and camping activities for the youth. 

The dynamic panelists on "Flourishing in Fine Arts: Spotlights on Creative Minds” offered insights into how their Zoroastrian cultural heritage influenced their career choices in the arts, entrepreneurship, literature and social activism, enriching their pursuits with a unique perspective rooted in Zoroastrian values of wisdom, compassion and ethical conduct. 

To inspire and empower the next generation of creative minds were the trailblazer panelists who sowed seeds of awareness, understanding and inclusiveness. Moderator Jenisteen Davier, a chartered financial consultant serving as senior planning director of her firm’s wealth and investment management business, was past president of the ZAH Youth Group and has recently joined the ZAH Legacy Scholarship Committee. Jennifer Bugli, a multifaceted artist whose proficiency extends from traditional paintings to contemporary digital art, piano as also vocal music, is co-chair of Outreach and Communications for ZYNA and also socials co-chair for the Zoroastrian Association of Michigan. A multidisciplinary designer and an entrepreneur-owner of Jaan Joon that creates bite-sized goodies that celebrate the traditional flavors of Iranian and Parsi cuisine, Anaheez Karbhari is the youth committee member at the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation as also the Communications and Outreach Committee co-chair for ZYNA. Textile designer, author, part time lecturer at the National Institute of Fashion Technology and curator, Delhi based Ashdeen Lilaowala’s research on Parsi embroidery and kusti weaving resulted in a book, Threads of Continuity.

Concurrent with the Congress

Through the duration of the 18NAZC, the simultaneously held Kids Congress kept five to 10-year-olds engaged with fun activities and projects. The Tween/Teen Congress for those aged 11 to 15 years involved them in interactive sessions with guest speakers, discussions, debates and hands-on activities on the Congress theme "Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence.” These were conducted under the stewardship of Vehishta Kaikobad and Khursheed Dastur. 

These sessions for the youngsters were in the proximity of a specially created exhibition area sponsored by Yasmin and Shapur Pavri that had on view "unique exhibits blending our rich history, cultural tapestry and religious legacy that forms our present and propels us to the future.” Prominently displayed was the miniature model of Houston’s Bhandara Atash Kadeh with options to book machis, jashans, tandarostis and other prayers for two years. Visitors were equally fascinated with the models of the Iranshah in Udvada, the Bhikha Behram Well in Bombay, a display of some manuscripts from the FIRES (FEZANA Information Research Education System) Library, detailed explanations on the cypress tree, the gardens in Iran, laboriously woven Persian carpets and other eye-catching exhibits.

The vendors who had booked space in the lobby brought to the table designer wear by Ashdeen, an array of jewelry by Radiance and Finesse, 3D models of the lamasu (winged bull), Persian column and art décor pieces crafted by Yezdi and Percy Engineer, Rare Playing Cards, Parsi culinary delights, paper handicrafts from the banner of Rashna Oak, religious and cultural products sold online by the Zoroastrian Culture Shop. The FEZANA/ZYNA and the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce stalls sought to popularize their initiatives.

This instalment concludes Parsiana’s coverage of the 18NAZC.