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The heritage walk at Doongerwadi led by Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia has needlessly agitated the orthodox of our community. The protests in this case are entirely misplaced. It’s a good sign that the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) has shown clarity of thought and due resolve in permitting this heritage walk.
The walk was planned during a period when no funeral ceremony was being performed. Hence, nobody was "disturbed,” and no corpse "defiled.” The group would go where non-Parsis have been going all the time: the pavilion, or even up to (but not inside) the dakhma. Malis (gardeners) and other workers work there, so what’s the big deal if other non-Parsis interested in our heritage are also allowed? Sadly, the group decided not to go further up on this occasion, just to avoid an ugly confrontation with the orthodox group that had gathered outside the pavilion to protest.

 

 

 

 

When non-Parsi women attend funerals and sit in the pavilion does anyone ask them if they are in their menses? Indeed, when Parsi women attend funeral ceremonies, does anyone go around inspecting that none is in her menses? This entire taboo of women in menses is being challenged, and is being seen in fresh light. So is it a valid point to raise here?
Some have expressed the fear that builders are eyeing the property and are using this heritage walk to gain inside views otherwise not available to them. I agree that builders — always to be looked upon with suspicion and caution, including Parsi builders — would definitely be waiting like surrogate vultures to devour our property, but who’s so naive as to believe that these kharoos (tough) people depend upon such flimsy "walks” to gain advantage? Those set upon such nefarious activities will by now have all the plans, and will also have had the property surreptitiously surveyed. Moreover, gaining a foothold to take over the property will be better done (probably is being done) by suitably influencing (read bribing) politicians and those who matter. What does this walk have to do with such serious misdeeds?
Isn’t it better that non-Parsis — and some Parsis as well — get desirable information about our system of disposal at a time when negative reports are rampant? (Never mind that the bad reports may be more truthful.)
This episode is just one among many in the perpetual tussle between those who think and believe, and those who believe without thinking. Where reason fails, it’s the ubiquitous and nebulous "hurt sentiments” that are proffered. 
PHIROZE B. JAVERI
phiroze.javeri@gmail.com

What is happening to us? One hears about the disputes in the house of Tata, of assaults on each other by Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustees and now tourism at Doongerwadi!
Do the organizers think we are puppets to be put on show? If the argument is that it is done for education, why not ask permission to take them around burial grounds of Muslims and Christians or crematoria? Why us? Because our method is different, or because we are the softest of communities and it is easier to get around us?
 Imagine losing a loved one, sitting in one of the bunglis mourning the loss when suddenly one sees a bunch of tourists standing outside gaping at one. Is there no dignity left for our grief?
My objection is not against non-Parsis attending a funeral, nor the fact that they are allowed to walk up to the dakhmas. Over the years I have seen non-Parsis at Doongerwadi, even near the dakhmas — gardeners, electricians and masons. It would be ridiculous to ban a non-Parsi from participating in the rituals of close friends when so many others are loitering around. However, that is an entirely different issue.
Right now I strongly object to being a puppet in a bizarre show organized by Parsis who do not seem to have respect for the feelings of others. What is astonishing is the fact that some of the BPP trustees have sanctioned this untoward spectacle.
Times may have changed, but in my book and that of many others, respect and consideration for others still exists.
MEHROO S. KHAREGAT 
meherbai36@hotmail.com