"The Zoroastrian religion stresses truthfulness and loyalty to our religion. It is also said ‘Parsi, thy name is charity,’ but charity is not about only giving money and helping the poor. One has to practice the teachings of Zarathushtra in one’s daily life, following the path of righteousness and truth, the law of Asha, being kind to animals and worship the atash padshah as a medium to worship Ahura Mazda,” stated former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Noshir Dadrawala, addressing those gathered to celebrate the 178th salgireh of the Seth N. H. Karani Agiary in Cusrow Baug, Colaba on Janaury 31, 2025.
Clockwise, from above: entrance to the Seth N. H. Karani Agiary;
Noshir Dadrawala, Bomi Hansotia, Homi Ranina, Percy Siganporia,
Ervad Yezdi Aibara; attendees; jashan
Photos: Spectravison Digital World
The celebrations commenced with a Havan gah maachi on behalf of the trust, followed by a jashan led by Dastur Kaikhushroo Ravji Meherjirana along with the panthaky of the Agiary, Ervad Yezdi Aibara, his son Ervad Farhad, and other priests.
Bomi Hansotia, managing trustee, who sent a write-up to Parsiana, requested all present to stand and pay respect in silent prayer for the souls of members of the Wadia, Karani and other Zoroastrian families.
Percy Siganporia, trustee and secretary of The N. N. and R. N. Wadia Trust, explained the significance of the godhas or sacred bulls at the entrance of many agiaries.
Yezdi spoke on the purpose of our birth, which is the progress of the soul. "People are born in different religions and have their own prophets and prayers. We have to follow the religion in which we are born. We have to follow the teachings of Zarathushtra and worship the atash padshah, which is a living entity and has a connection with God.” God’s blessings reach us through the atash padshah. He also explained why we should stand up during the boi ceremony because during the five gahs the five Fareshtas of the different gahs are present.
Thanking all the trustees for taking a keen interest in the maintenance of the Agiary, the panthaky garlanded them. He also thanked Noshir Bulsara and his wife Pilloo for their continuing and active support and help in the activities of the Dasturji Kookadaru Trust. Trustee Homi Ranina acknowledged the panthaky’s service to the Agiary for many years. S. V.