OZCF'S open house

The recently acquired 10 acre property of the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation (OZCF) witnessed its inaugural jashan performed by 16 mobeds of all ages on September 18, 2005. As the priests filed into a large, specially set up "tent/stage” they were greeted by resounding applause from an estimated gathering of over 600 Zarathushtis on the land that spread out in all directions, notes a press release forwarded by Roshan Davar.

Beginning with a resonant humban­dagi of two Yatha and one Ashem the ceremony continued with prayers and blessings of the priests consecrating the property. "A soft breeze wafted the fragrance of sukhad-loban through the air along with the vibrations of the prayers,” notes Davar’s e-mail adding, "During the prayers the neighboring farmer’s goats and sheep walked across their field in a row and it appeared as though the fareshtas were really around, blessing us on this new day.” A spirited rendition of Oh Canada! by Tasha Hira followed by a full-throated Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathoshti from the audience concluded the event.

Special tent (top) and jashan (bottom)

In his short but effective welcome address OZCF president Phil Sidhwa emphasized, "This facility is for use by all Zoroastrians, young and old, Parsis and Iranians.” Pointing happily to the large number of children and youth among the audience who would ensure the success of future generations of Zoroastrians in North America, he noted, "This is the largest piece of land owned by any Zoroastrian community in North America.” There were 220 cars comfortably parked with room for more, writes Davar. Sidhwa specially commended Harbans, the real estate agent who introduced the Foundation to the property and arranged for the purchase without charging any fee, states Davar. He also spoke of the five Zoroastrian cyclists who were at the time participating in a 100 km bikethon to raise money for The Lung Association.

In the weeks between the acquisition of the property and the event hundreds of volunteers had transformed the house, garden, garage and the entire property, cleaning, painting, renovating, laying new wood floors, plumbing, gardening, landscaping, etc. The finishing touches of dana ni toran, floral garlands and arrangements and furniture made the property very inviting, writes Davar. Everyone just hung around till long after the function was over, the children playing, picking fruits from the fruit trees, running around the vast property, "simply enjoying a sense of belonging to this place,” while adults young and old played soccer and volleyball.