A navar in Nagpur

At a navar ceremony held at the Bai Hirabai Mulla Dar-e-Meher in Nagpur after a gap of over four decades 12-year-old Arshaan Bhathena was initiated into the priesthood on December 1, 2012. An impressive turnout of about 100 people (in a total Zoroastrian population of less than 500) attended the final day’s ceremonies.
Bhathena, who had taken up residence in the fire temple since November 11, 2012, was trained by Ervads Sohrab Bharucha and Keki Panthaky. The latter had been specially flown in from Bombay to guide the youngster about the kriyas (rituals) and prayers. The efforts of the two priests made it possible for the ceremony to be performed in Nagpur; earlier youngsters used to be sent to Bombay where facilities are already in place and the expenses incurred lower. The credit for this goes to Bhathena’s parents, Kaneef and Dinshaw, who steadfastly refused to go to Bombay and insisted on having the ceremony performed in their own agiary.
Bhathena had been studying for his navar ceremony for the prior two years with Narges Dalal who teaches many young children their navjote prayers. With his keen mind and deep interest, he managed to master the bulk of the prayers and many kriyas during this time. On his big day the Std VI student of Bharatia Vidya Mandir School recited his prayers in a soft but strong voice which resonated in the agiary hall as many local community members looked on with pride and enthusiasm. After the ceremony Panthaky enlightened the gathering on the significance and importance of this event. The priests and their wives, Dilnavaz and Perin respectively, along with religion teacher Desai were honored with flowers and shawls on the occasion.