Uran agiary’s salgirah

About 450 Zoroastrians wended their way to distant Uran on the mainland off Bombay to celebrate the 111th salgirah of the Umrigar Agiary there on October 9, 2015. Many were transported to the fire temple by buses in organized trips, some chose to go by sea in launches while others drove overland in private vehicles arriving at the venue from various towns and cities. The morning jashan was performed by Ervads Aspandiar Dadachanji and Rukshad Panthaki who had come from Bombay. Entertainment in the form of songs, dances and skits was provided by Parvez Mehta and his troupe. Breakfast and lunch were catered at the subsidized rate of Rs 120 per head by Ketayun Bomi Khambata along with her sons Rayomand and Adil.

(Clockwise, from top): Umrigar Agiary in Uran; devotees; jashan; Kersi Sui

Kersi Sui, who has been serving for many years as caretaker at this remote outpost of the religion, has appealed for donations for the upkeep of the fire temple. At present only one truckload of kathi remains in storage. As per his printed appeal, the agiary’s tiled roof leaks and is in need of immediate repairs. Sui has invited Parsi professionals in the field of construction to assist with the repairs and maintenance of the premises. His appeal states "no trust exists.” Even all the expenses for the salgirah function were borne by him, he mentions. The donations received throughout the year are insufficient to maintain the fire temple. Crossed cheques in the name of "Kersi B. Sui” may be sent to him at: Umrigar Fire Temple, Mora Bunder, Uran, District Raigad, Post M. A. D. Karanja, 400704. Sui may be contacted over the telephone at: 022-27230047 and on the mobile at: 9987381490, 9821775285.