Toronto ‘Doors Open’

The Zoroastrian Society of Ontario’s (ZSO) Mehraban Guiv Darbe Meher was selected as one of the sights to see in Toronto during Open Doors, an annual event of the City of Toronto held on May 24 and 25, 2008.

The special focus in 2008 was on 30 ‘Sacred Spaces, Sacred Circles,’ venues that ranged from aboriginal to Zoroastrian, notes the ZSO newsletter (May 2008). A special team led by Daraius Bharucha comprising Ervad (Dr) Jehan Bagli, Freddy Mirza, Kevin Mancher­jee, Mitra Jam, Diana Katgara, Mona Antia and others worked on a special presentation consisting of videos, rituals and cultural events morning and afternoon between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. along with permanent displays on both days. The team was supported by Toronto’s young priests, religion class teachers, the Iranian Kanoun and the Zoroastrian Scout Group, states the newsletter. ZSO president Sam Vesuna who had been contacted by the city with the invitation to participate, functioned as coordinator of the event.