Aid Umrigar Agiary

The atash padshah in Vadodara was installed over 150 years ago at its original site in Anandpura, Kothi. However due to land requisition, the holy fire was shifted to Fatehgunj in the old Parsi Dharamshala. With a generous donation from the late Hirabai Contractor, the present Umrigar Agiary in Vadodara was construc­ted in 1959 and the fire conse­cra­ted.

Since then, little or no renovation has been done.However, with the passage of time, it is evident that the Agiary needs a proper entrance (a spacious verandah with a facade), washing and other facilities. Moreover, with the increase in the population of the Parsis in Vadodara to over 1,200 there is an urgent need to extend the existing jashan hall and the area in front of the kebla where people gather to offer prayers. In order to provide an atmosphere of peace and calm, the Agiary also needs a facelift with adequate lighting and other amenities. We have taken advice from Rustomji Bulsara and Company, architects and civil engineers from Bombay who have wide experience in construction and renovation of agiaries. With their help, we hope to create an atmosphere that is conducive for our community to come together and pray to our Lord Ahura Mazda.

Umrigar Agiary: needs facelift

We estimate that the total cost of this project would be around Rs 35 lakhs for which we would welcome donations. The trustees have decided that the names of all those who donate Rs 15,000 or above will be inscribed on a marble plaque in a suitable place in the Agiary.

Any sum collected in excess of the amount spent for renovation/facelift and extension of the Agiary shall be reserved for maintenance of the Umrigar Agiary complex. All donations will qualify for income tax exemption under Sec 80 G of the Income-tax Act. Cheques/drafts may be drawn in favor of "Shree Parsi Panchayat Vadodara — A/c Umrigar Agiary Renovation Fund.”

JAL R. PATEL

SHAVAK F. PATEL

President

Chairman, Fund Raising Committee

Shree Parsi Panchayat, Vadodara