On a windy Sunday afternoon in September, sitting under a white canopy, 14 mobeds and two mobedyars, a lady included, joined in prayer to bless the land for the new place of worship in Oakville, Ontario. The inaugural consecration ceremony on September 24, 2023 for the atash kadeh and prospective atash-e-adaran that included a jashan and baj prayers was "a huge success with over 300 attendees,” stated Phil Sidhwa, chair of the Place of Worship Advisory Committee constituted by the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF).
The ceremonial prayers are "recommended to soothe out the process of construction… To eradicate any negative energies, obstacles and ill effects in the land that may affect the progress of the project… to create harmonious relations between humans and nature, to protect the structure and occupants from any harm,” it was explained to the congregation.
The 16 priests who performed the prayers were: Ervads Delzad Bajan, Khushroo Bharda, Firdosh Bulsara, Mehbad Dastur, Farrokh Dhabhar, Jamshed Dhabhar, Hormuz Javat, Nozer Kotwal, Rohaan Kotwal, Kevan Madan, Xerxes Madan, Pauzash Mithaiwala, Tehemton Mirza and Jal Panthaky with Mobedyars Guloo Austin and Khushroo Mirza.
Top row, from l: Adil Bhesania, Phil Sidhwa, Marzi Byramjee; center: priests who participated in the land blessing
ceremonies for the proposed atash kadeh and atash-e-adaran in Ontario (above)
Community members in Ontario
"As the fastest growing Zoroastrian community in the world, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)…with a population of over 6,000… boasts the highest number of Zoroastrians outside of Bombay and Poona,” noted a joint statement by Sidhwa, OZCF president Adil Bhesania and fundraising chair Marzi Byramjee. OZCF and its sister organization, the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, work in cooperation "to the benefit of all their members.”
The 10-acre parcel of land was purchased in 2004, two years after the formation of OZCF for CAD (Canadian dollars) 1.5 million (Rs 9.24 crore). The hall that was subsequently built for CAD 450,000 (Rs 2.7 crore) is in use for over 250 days in a year for different religious and social events within the community but there was "a penchant for a more religious setting.” In a subsequent clarification Sidhwa mentioned that 90% of the usage is for Zoroastrian events including gahanbars and Navroz celebrations, navjote, wedding and death ceremonies, games and car rallies, scouting events and religious classes for the youth, and yoga and zumba sessions for the seniors.
Adopting the catchphrase "The fire within,” the core team is working towards building an atash kadeh with a capacity of 150, a consecrated place of worship which shall eventually house an atash-e-adaran, a consecrated fire with a live-in priest to perform the higher liturgical ceremonies and facilities to train and initiate priests. "Our community has so far raised CAD 3.4 million (Rs 20.92 crore). We need an additional CAD 1.7 million (Rs 10.46 crore) to complete Phase 2. This is a moving target based on fundraising and construction surprises,” clarified Sidhwa.
"Building permit has arrived,” read a ticker tape message on the OZCF website with the newsflash announcing, "Construction starts…” Within four days of receiving the building permit from the Town of Oakville on September 8, construction of Phase 1 had commenced and those interested were invited to view the live progress on
www.ozcf.com.
"We will complete Phase 1 of the project with existing funds to enclose the building for winter works... and some of the electrical and site works,” Sidhwa explained the plan to Parsiana. The second phase will include all the interior works to receive occupancy permit... complete site works, curbing and asphalt for 100 car park spaces and electric vehicle charging as also underground drainage systems and landscaping.
The development of the land has been entrusted to "an experienced and professional team of architects, planners, builders and engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, hydrogeological, soils, archeological) firms,” added Sidhwa.
Hoping to complete construction by September 2024, depending on availability of funds, they are making a concerted effort to create community awareness. On November 11 has been planned the Place of Worship Gala at the Mississauga Convention Centre as one of the major fundraisers. "History will favorably look back upon us and recognize the brave and enterprising group of Zoroastrians who contributed to building the first atash kadeh and atash-e-adaran right here in Canada… Contribute generously to this noble endeavor as we leave an enduring legacy for future generations,” urged the appeal to donors.