"Many youngsters can take lessons from the life of Ervad Nariman Dalal,” panthaky of the Seth Framji Nassarwanji Patel Daremeher who has completed 50 years of service at the Mazgaon fire temple, stated Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia at a felicitation function at Cama Baug on November 1, 2016. Karanjia lauded Dalal for undertaking entrepreneurial initiatives such as catering during his spare time and appreciated the fact that he worked hard to better his lot. "The role of a panthaky is very important as he has to take care of a lot of people and so he needs to be empathetic and able to mingle well with others.” A write-up on the occasion was forwarded to Parsiana by Karanjia.
Top: Khodadad Irani (left) with Ervad Nariman Dalal;
(inset) Bakhtavar Dalal Photos: Rehan Daruwalla;
above: Seth Framji Nassarwanji Patel Daremeher, Mazgaon
Courtesy: Global Directory of Fire Temples by Marzban J. Giara
Solicitor Burjor Antia commended Dalal’s services to the fire and to the community. Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Noshir Dadrawala spoke as a resident of Mazgaon and not as a trustee. Reminiscing about his childhood, he recalled that he always looked forward to going to the agiary as he liked to spend time with the animals there. He also admired the pomegranate trees in the agiary’s compound and appreciated the fact that Dalal was responsible for the beautification of the place. All the speakers praised the role of the priest’s wife Bakhtavar and her efforts to maintain the fire temple.
Dalal was presented a silver salver by Khodadad, Hoshang and Sheriyar Irani of WIBS Bread. Jehangir Chaina felicitated brothers Ervads Hoshedar and Ardaviraf Zaroliwala for their services. Hoshedar compered the program. The services of mobeds who served the Daremeher during the muktads were recognized — Ervads Zubin and Farshid Dalal, Porus Zaroliwala and Burjor Aibada of Surat, Zubin Marolia of Navsari and Keki Ravji of Bombay.
Among the large number of priests present in the audience were Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji and Ervad (Dr) Parvez Bajan. BPP chairman Yazdi Desai and his wife Anahita also graced the occasion as did BPP trustee Armaity Tirandaz, karate exponent Vispi Kapadia and his wife Shiraz.
Live music was provided by Mehernosh Tantra and the 13-course dinner was catered by Dalal himself, the write-up concludes.