At the function to mark Avan mah, Avan roz at the Radio Club pier on March 22, 2024, Udvada high priest Dastur Khurshed Dastoor commented: "Throughout life we are looking at chogarias (auspicious hours) when we have such great prayers (like) Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Ashem Vohu and Yenghe Hatam… powerful prayers which can be prayed anywhere, any time under any circumstances.” The high priest noted that "there are times when our wishes are not fulfilled, but prayers have to come from the heart… It should not be asking, asking and asking (for divine favors)… One has to keep an attitude of gratitude… If we want to pass on our legacy, it is in our hands to see that our children and grandchildren are taught these prayers and the worship of Ahura Mazda,” stated a write-up on the event from Zarine Commissariat who has been involved with the event for decades.
In his keynote address, senior lawyer and Parsiana columnist Berjis Desai stressed the relevance of Aredvi Sura Anahita (Avan Yazad, the divinity of the waters). "This time of the year, we witness two days of devotional fervor, Meher Yazad Parav and Avan Yazad Parav (when the roz and mah are the same) and the devotional fervor for both, even today, remain unchanged… Extensive scholarly research shows that they are extremely exalted in spiritual status and are almost on par with or just below Ahura Mazda… In Avan Yasht, Ahura Mazda Himself seeks a boon from Avan Yazad that may Zarathushtra be successful in propagating the religion, and so does Zarathushtra in asking her favor to enable him to induct King Vistasp into the faith,” stated Desai. "She is the only deity who has three titles to her name — Aredvi Sura Anahita, whereas others have two or one like Amesha Spenta or Yazad.” Desai also referred to the forgotten god, Apam Napat, hailed as the grandson of waters. There is passing reference to him in Yasht 19 and in every gah prayer.
Top right: mobeds at prayer led by Dastur Khurshed Dastoor (3rd from l)
Photo: Dolly Divecha;
top left: Berjis Desai; above, from l: Zarine Commissariat, Dastoor, Kersi Limathwalla, Ervad Zerick Dastur
Community prayers at the Radio Club pier
Chairman of the board of trustees of the M. J. Wadia Fire Temple Kersi Limathwalla, under whose auspices the function was organized, welcomed the gathering. "Prayer is something personal, subjective and relative… Prayers create staota or colors and vibrations which form a subtle and invisible link with Ahura Mazda,” he stated. According to the Yenghe Hatam, "Life becomes better with good deeds and fervent prayers. Therefore it is necessary to pray but this should be backed by good deeds for prayers to be effective,” he stated. He decried having a "shopping list of desires to be fulfilled” when one prays. "We clean our body every day, but it is equally important to clean our mind of hatred and negativity.”
The hama anjuman jashan to honor Avan Yazad was led by Dastoor with 17 other participating mobeds, followed by a humbandagi, chasni and monajat rendered by Viraf Daruwalla. The annual event, started five decades ago by the late Dinshaw Merchant and Rustom Kooka, is now conducted by a committee comprising chartered accountants Kersi Commissariat and Limathwalla, financial consultant Hanoz Patel and retired executive Darius Desai.
Lawyer Ervad Zerick Dastur’s vote of thanks included the contribution of priests, speakers, service providers and others. The meeting ended with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathosti.
Despite a call to boycott the event by some traditionalists, Kersi Commissariat later told Parsiana that the event was well attended. The objection was that the "twice-intermarried” Berjis was the keynote speaker (see "Friend, not foe,” Editorial Viewpoint, Parsiana, April 7-20, 2024). Members of the audience took home goody bags, partially sponsored by Feroze Foods and an anonymous well-wisher containing the "mandatory” dar ni pori, non-alcoholic drinks and squashes.