Child’s play

Within 10 sentences we are given a succinct introduction to Prophet Zara–thushtra and Lord Ahura Mazda. The next 15 sentences convey the message of Zoroastrianism. The significance of the navjote ceremony, of Avestan prayers and the sacred fire-temple is related in the ensuing 20 sentences. The last nine pages carry the text and the meaning of the basic Ashem Vohu, Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Kemna Mazda, Hormazd Khodae and Jasa Me Avanghe Mazda prayers. And presto, the 28-page book is over.

Meant as a primer for little children, Jamshed Rivetna’s hardbound My First Zoroastrian Prayer Book with its bright yellow cover has all the essentials to arouse a child’s interest: The text in simple language, illustrations — courtesy Ava Mehta — on every page, frequently of child-like characters mouthing sentiments with which the children can identify, large types printed on art card so that leafing through the book becomes a pleasure and not a chore.

Without getting didactic or rigid, certain religious habits are indirectly reinforced as in: "Sometimes it’s hard to say the words in our prayers but it is still a good idea to say them as well as you can because Ahura Mazda hears them... You can say your prayers anywhere you want but sometimes it is nice to go to a special place called a fire-tem­ple.”

While the virtues of honesty, consideration, concern for the environment have all been cleverly depicted in the book, the concept of generosity could have been better handled instead of showing a rosy-cheeked girl asking, "Are you poor? Please take this coin.” No recipient of charity should be made to feel "poor.”

Rivetna, a business and software consultant in the real estate industry lives in Dallas, Texas, USA with his wife Tamara and three young daughters Olivia Zarine, Natasha Diane and Alea Yazmeen. He has dedicated his book "to my lovely children... so that you can begin to learn and understand our beautiful religion and prayers.” Active in the local Zarathushti community, Rivetna serves on the building committee of the Zoroastrain Association of North Texas which is currently planning and raising funds for a Zoroastrian center.

Above: Olivia Zarine (left) and Natasha Diane who inspired Jamshed Rivetna to write his book

A teacher by profession, Mehta of London "has dedicated her life to children and creativity,” states the book, adding, "One good day her next kiddies book will see the bookshelves of all Zoroastrian children.” A single parent raising her two little girls Mehta has addressed her efforts to her "two angels Jehanara and Tishtrya who daily help show me I too can fly and have wings... And also for all children everywhere who make each day a truly heavenly experience.” The "undying support” of Rivetna’s parents, Roshan and Rohinton, in the forefront of community activities in the USA and the world over, as also sister Zenobia Damania’s "help with layout and design” have been acknowledged in this book.

For Zoroastrian children in Bombay who see many of their flock wearing a cap when praying, a topi is not unusual. But those spread over the continents would be better able to relate with the illustration of a stranger asking the band of Zoroastrian children, "May I join the topi club?” It is precisely for this reason that those living abroad may value My First Zoroastrian Prayer Book more than those in India. The book is available at the Parsiana Book Club, K. K. (Navsari Chambers), 39B Amrit Keshav Nayak Road, Fort, Bombay 400001, Tel: 22074335, 22074347. Price: Rs 275 (if mailed in India, Rs 305; foreign, Rs 495).

P.M.G.