“Rites at residence”

I am amazed at the rigid and inexplicable stand taken by the Valsad Parsi Anjuman, insisting on the last rites being performed at their Doongerwadi ("Rites at residence,” Parsiana, October 7, 2006). This is absurd. The Anju­man should know that for centuries Parsis settled in and around Valsad have had the last rites of the deceased conducted at their residences. It was so even in Bombay, where many Parsi mohallas had ravan rooms where the last rites were performed. My in-laws were from Valsad, and their last rites were performed at their residence.

There is nothing in our scriptures to suggest that the last rites have to be performed at Doongerwadi. It is absolutely imperative that the Valsad Anjuman rescinds its high-handed measure.

B. T. DASTUR