Readers' Forum
Losing the true essence
We were visiting a metro (not Bombay) during Khordad Saal. The Parsi crowd there had organized a musical evening and dinner. There was a lot of fun and frolic, with people singing along and even getting up and swaying. Everyone was enjoying themselves. When the band was almost winding up, I was left wondering: Did no one care to wish the great Prophet on his birthday? No monajat was sung in his praise. But the saddest thing was no one even sang Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti.
Aren’t we losing the very essence of what we are celebrating? I suggested to two or three people there that we should sing the Parsi anthem and was really hurt when they said, "The band doesn’t know it.” Could not the 400 or so people stand up and sing it? Was a band required? Where was the spirit?
It is unfortunate that we should celebrate Khordad Saal as party time and fail to show our gratitude, love and respect for the Prophet who has given us our identity. I request every Zarthoshti to think deeply about this. Why are we becoming so ultra mod, so fun loving that we forget the purpose for which we have gathered together?
ARMIN DUTIA MOTASHAW
Ahmedabad
armindutiamotashaw@gmail.com
Aren’t we losing the very essence of what we are celebrating? I suggested to two or three people there that we should sing the Parsi anthem and was really hurt when they said, "The band doesn’t know it.” Could not the 400 or so people stand up and sing it? Was a band required? Where was the spirit?
It is unfortunate that we should celebrate Khordad Saal as party time and fail to show our gratitude, love and respect for the Prophet who has given us our identity. I request every Zarthoshti to think deeply about this. Why are we becoming so ultra mod, so fun loving that we forget the purpose for which we have gathered together?
ARMIN DUTIA MOTASHAW
Ahmedabad
armindutiamotashaw@gmail.com
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