I am not irreligious

The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ) allege that I am performing conversions. Please note that though conversion is allowed in the Zoroastrian religion, I do not perform any conversions. We all know that our sacred faith, Zoroastrianism, exists in other parts of the world, but has sadly declined there. Those Zoroastrians are not Parsis. They are fervent believers in the tenets of our holy Prophet but do not claim to be Parsis.

The BPP and WAPIZ allege that I am performing the following irreligious activities:

navjotes of the children of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers (conversion, according to the BPP);

ashirwads for the couple if one spouse is a Parsi (only spiritual blessings to couples who get married under the Special Marriage Act);

four days’ prayers for those who are cremated/buried, but never in Doonger­wadi. Such prayers are done at some other place, including in homes;

navjotes of Zoroastrians staying in Aryan Vaeja countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moscow, St Petersburg, etc (conversion, according to BPP).

Tried to perform the navar ceremony of a Russian Zoroastrian in Sanjan. He is a Zoroastrian who knows his scriptures and prayers and follows the tenets of the faith.

All the above activities are absolutely religious and as per our Zoroastrian scriptures and teachings. The Zoroastrian religion is universal. Anyone can follow it. The religion is not for Parsis alone. The statement by WAPIZ and the BPP that "A Parsi is a Zoroastrian and a Zoroastrian is a Parsi” is wrong. Please read the translations of Zoroastrian prayers including the Gathas by Dastur Kavasji Edulji Kanga in three volumes: Khordeh Avesta, Gatha ba maani and Yasht ba maani which have been published by the BPP.

I charge just Rs 10,000 for four days ceremonies of the dead, all inclusive. Normally agiaries charge Rs 15,000. For navjotes/weddings I accept whatever I am given, sometimes even Rs 500-1,000. For poor Zoroastrians I do not charge anything.

ERVAD KHUSHROO MADON

khushroomadon@gmail.com