Online petition for Bahrot

Dr Homi Dhalla, founder president of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation, has initiated steps to preserve and save the Bahrot Caves.

On May 8, 2010 Dhalla wrote to Dr Gautam Sengupta. Director-general, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi stating: "We the members of the Parsi community worldwide wish to make this petition for the conservation of the Bahrot Caves. These Caves are situated about 15 kms from Sanjan (a station on the Western Railway) in the state of Maharashtra. They are of deep religious and historical significance to the entire Parsi community as the Iranshah, the most sacred fire of the Parsis was preserved there for 12 years when Sanjan was attacked by Alaf Khan. Hence the Parsi connection with these Caves dates back to about the end of the 14th century. Even to this day it is a place of pilgrimage. Every year, a large number of Parsi pilgrims visit the Caves and perform a jashan ceremony. References to these Caves are also to be found in several historical records.

"At Bahrot, there are a total number of seven caves. Unfortunately, a part of the main cave has already collapsed and needs urgent attention. Every year, further damage is caused due to total neglect. Besides this, there is not even a proper pathway leading to the Caves, hence devotees have to struggle through six kilometers of the forest to reach the Caves. As a result, a number of persons fall and are injured every year. During the monsoon season, it is impossible to reach these Caves due to the heavy foliage in the forest. Moreover, there is no water or electric supply.

"It is heartening to know that on March 16, 2010, the Parliament of India passed a bill amending and making more stringent the law for the protection of ancient sites and monuments. This reflects the government’s determination to preserve and protect our priceless heritage. Since the Bahrot Caves is a protected monument under the ASI, government of India, we urge you to conserve these Caves urgently and provide a road to enable pilgrims to reach these Caves safely.”

In a first of is kind, Dhalla has also initiated an online signature campaign to be submitted to the director-general, to step up efforts in that direction. You can read the petition on http://www.petitiononline.com/savbah/petition.html, and if you agree with its contents, please sign it online. It takes just a minute to sign and forward the same to your friends and relatives.

Please do spread the word and take action now!

YAZDI TANTRA

yazdi@on-lyne.com