Navar ceremony

Zarathushti boys from North America are initiated into priesthood in December, unlike Indian children who are usually initiated in the month of May. These future torchbearers of the North American community who were being initiated at Vatcha Gandhi Agiary under Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji during December 2006 and January 2007 are: Yazad Jehangir Dastur, Varun Rayo­mand Bhadha, Darius Farhad Bhadha and Zerkxis Zarrir Bhandara of California; Farhad Sheroy Ranjee of New York;Vispy and Rayomand Percy Katrak from Texas; Yash Cyrus Raja (maratab) from Dubai; as well as Burgese Nadir Godrej and Sohrab Nadir Godrej from Bombay.

Yazad, Farhad, Varun, Darius and Zerkxis were trained by Zarrir Bhandara of California who believes that Zarathushti priests should possess certain qualities. They need to be living witnesses, reflecting the life of a true Zarathushti taking care of all living beings, as Zarathushtra did. Their lives need to attract and inspire everybody they meet. Priests need to engage the youth in religious activities one on one. Young men and women should come to know and see their priest as someone they can relate to and consult over any life issues.

Priests need to be good listeners to nurture and support members of their community. If someone is in trouble, their first stop should be their priest, where the response must be warm, understanding and welcoming. Wise, knowledgeable, righteous, dedicated, kind, loving, caring, giving, sensitive, thorough, optimistic, progressive, productive, good role models, decisive, responsible, happy. These are some of the qualities a Zarathushti priest should possess.

Present at the navar ceremony of Zerkxis Zarrir Bhandara on December 28, 2006 were high priests Dr Firoze Kotwal, Dr Peshotan Mirza and Khur­shed Dastoor.

BURJOR TARACHAND