KCYA’s Khordeh Avesta

It was the dream of late Paeterasp Darabshah Patel, founder president of the Khareghat Colony Youth Association (KCYA) that a small version of the Khordeh Avesta in English be made available free of cost to every young Zoroastrian. His dream was realized posthumously when on his 85th birth anniversary, September 19, 2010, the Khordeh Avesta was released by Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) chairman Dinshaw Mehta at a glittering function organized by the KCYA at the Khareghat Memorial Hall. Patel’s daughter Jasmine, son Khushru and Aspi Forbes fulfilled his dream by completing the work as per his instructions, reveals a write-up sent by Ervad Cyrus Dastoor, KCYA president.

The function began with a humban­dagi led by Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji, panthaky of the Vatchaghandy Agiary. Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza, Dadachanji, Mehta and Patel’s family members lit divas. The show was compered by Parzan Dastur and Cyrus Patel with the former giving the welcome address after which Mehta launched the little Khordeh Avesta. Paeterasp Patel had rejected an earlier version because "my young children’s hands would ache if the book were not small and light.” Copies of the prayer book were distributed to students of the KCYA’s Dharmagyan class by Mehta, Dadachanji and Mirza, the write-up mentions. The book is now being distributed in all baugs and colonies. Plans are afoot to distribute the book to every Zoroastrian household. Enquiries regarding the distribution of the book may be address to Dastoor at froharfilms @yahoo.com

Dadachanji was felicitated at the same function by Mirza on behalf of KCYA at the request of Cyrus Patel. For yeoman services rendered to the residents of Khareghat Colony and the community as a whole the venerable priest was presented a shawl, plaque and flowers. Firoza Punthakey Mistree, wife of BPP trustee Khojeste Mistree also presented a shawl to Dadachanji. Mirza lauded Dadachanji’s efforts to perform higher liturgical ceremonies despite his advanced age. Dadachanji recounted the difficult circumstance during his teens when his father expired and he was compelled to take up mobedi to support his mother and sisters. Despite there being not much financial scope, he is proud to have inducted his sons Marespand and Hormuzd into the priesthood in addition to their other chosen vocations, the write-up notes. Concurring that priests have not been looked after by the community, Mehta mentioned his efforts to put things right through a scheme formulated under the leadership of Nevil Wadia and others. Jimmy Mistry, BPP trustee, lauded Dadachanji’s efforts to induct new priests.

Religious songs were sung by the KCYA children with accompaniment on the electric organ by Naira Daruwala. Pansy Mehta, wife of the BPP chairman presented gifts to the singers. Parzan Dastur said a few words by way of introduction to Once in a Life Time, a film on the enthronement of the sacred fire at the Fakirji Jokhi Agiary in Godrej Baug after which the audience watched the film spellbound. Cyrus Patel proposed a vote of thanks. Then refreshments were served and copies of the Khordeh Avesta distributed to all present, the write-up concludes.