Pilgrims’ progress

It was a rare treat for 40 Zoroastrians living in the cities of Ratlam, Indore and Mhow to visit the Iranshah Atash Behram in Udvada on September 17 and 18, 2011. The pilgrimage, which helped them touch base with their roots in Gujarat, was much appreciated by the devotees as they live amidst a cosmopolitan society in Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Zoroastrians from Madhya Pradesh at Iranshah, Udvada

The pilgrimage was planned, organized and coordinated by Ratlam Parsi Anjuman president and FPZAI (Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India) vice president (north zone) Tehmtom Anklesaria, who sent a write-up about the event to Parsiana. Anklesaria was instrumental in obtaining special permission from the Railway Board for the Avantika Express to stop at Udvada railway station on two days so that the pilgrims could alight and board, ensuring an additional convenience for them.

Jehangir Meharvaid, aged 87, a trustee of the Mhow Parsi Anjuman who regularly visits Iranshah every year, was excited to be part of the community group. Bomi Hirjee, president of the Indore Parsi Anjuman was responsible for motivating Zoroastrians from that city to join the trip, the write-up mentions.

Not only were members of the group able to individually offer prayers at Iranshah on both days, Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza along with three priests performed a shukra gujari nu jashan and offered maachi on behalf of those community members who had been unable to come on the pilgrimage. Mirza also addressed the group on matters pertaining to the Zoroastrian religion and answered queries on subjects related to our beliefs, customs, history, prayers and the challenges of preserving our culture. The MP Zoroastrians honored Mirza with a shawl and srifal (coconut), the write-up notes.