Mehergan jashan

Early in the morning of Meher roz, Meher mah, which fell on March 2, 2010, Lalbaug’s M. J. Wadia Agiary threw open its doors to scores of devotees who had come to pay obeisance to Meher Yazad, the divine judge. Among them were a large number of young students who came to seek blessing before appearing for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) examinations, mentions a report sent on the e-mail by Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute. As it was the third anniversary of the renovated Agiary hall, a Mehergan jashan was performed by 11 mobeds led by Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Udvada.

In his welcome speech trustee Kersi Limathwalla expressed pleasant surprise at the large turnout at both the jashan and the evening’s program, considering it was a working day. He thanked Karanjia for conducting the Structured Course II (2009-2010) titled "Zoroastrian prayers — faith, well-being and healing” which over 140 Zoroastrians attended on the first Sunday of every month. Limathwalla announced the third Structured Course which was to commence from April 4, 2010 on "Avestan Yashts and Persian Shahnameh.” Dastoor expounded on the Mehergan Parab, explaining that Meher Yazad judges all the souls on the charum, the fourth day after death.

On Meher roz, Meher mah, Dastur Khurshed Dastoor, the trustees of the M. J. Wadia Agiary and others enjoy a program that included a play (right) on the life of Ervad Nadirsha Aibara Photos: Parvez Tavaria

Speaking about her experiences with the Parsis in India was guest speaker Dr Dorothea Lueddeckens of Zurich University, Switzerland. In her book about the layman’s perceptions of death and death rituals in the Zoroastrian religion she has provided an in-depth explanation of the four days’ kriyas, the importance of after-death prayers including the 10th day and our muktad ceremonies. Death is not the end, she said, for when we pray and think of the dead we keep them alive for ever.

A play on the life and times of Ervad Nadirsha Naoroji Aibara, performed by young Parsi children, received a standing ovation. It was conceived, written and directed by Roxane Darayus Desai who was felicitated not only for the play but for her willing and efficient coordination of the Structured Courses. This was followed by a song and dance item by the young actors on the coming of the festival of spring. The item was directed by Havovi Karanjia.

Meritorious participants in the Structured Course received their certificates at the hands of Dastoor and two of the Agiary trustees, Shyam Wadia and Shirin Wadia. The evening came to an end with a vote of thanks from Ramiyar Karanjia, followed by the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti, after which everyone headed to the Agiary compound to partake of a delicious dinner.