The monthly jashan, which began as a humble prayer gathering, has grown over the years into "a pillar of community unity and spiritual reflection,” notes an email sent to Parsiana by Hoshaang Gotla who, along with Perzon Zend, started the prayer meeting in 2009 (see "Avan roz humbandagi,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, December 7, 2009). "It is clear that this long-standing tradition continues to strengthen bonds within the community, reminding all of the importance of unity, prayer and preserving the customs that define their faith,” Gotla wrote.
Clockwise from top l: Bhikha Behram Well; Hoshaang Gotla, Noshir Dadrawala, Perzon Zend;
jashan; priests who performed the jashan
Emphasizing the importance of coming together for collective prayers, community activist Noshir Dadrawala, former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee and chief executive officer of the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy in his address at the 180th jashan on September 22, 2024 spoke of the need to support young priests to ensure continuation of these sacred practices for future generations. Significantly, the jashan that evening was performed by eight young priests, Ervads Kaivan Katrak, Varzavand Dadachanji, Hormaz Fatakia, Cyrus Dastoor, Maazyar Sinor, Aryan Kanga, Rukhshad Panthai and Nauzer Tarachand. Many of them are college-going students whose devotion and youthful presence symbolized the "vibrant future of the priestly tradition,” noted Gotla.
The attendees were treated to malido and bhakras at the conclusion of the ceremony.
S. V.