Udvada Utsav

It is necessary to have events like the Iranshah Udvada Utsav and the celebrations of the Atash Behram in Navsari to continue the community’s bonds, as the family that prays together stays together.

In my book Zoroastrianism and Parsis: A Re-look, I have quoted the Vahishtoisht Gatha, Ha 53, Haptam Yasht, and the other prayers we wish our athravans "going to foreign lands to spread our religion a safe return." What was it, if not conversion?

Those who opposed Khambata deserved to be thrown out. They are indoctrinated and blind to our scriptures.

B. T. DASTUR

Our wise ancestors chose a remote place, far away inside a village many, many, years ago to house the Iranshah. They wanted the Atash Behram to be protected and hidden from the limelight as its sanctity was of paramount importance to its religious and spiritual function. This sanctity was ruined by the recent Iranshah Udvada Utsav.

Before some of us begin to be smug and euphoric about the Utsav, let us carefully question the motive and the repercussions of the whole event.

Who are the trustees of Iranshah Atash Behram? Did all of them give their consent? Were the necessary permissions taken? The government has already sanctioned Rs 20 crore. Which trust, committee or organization has collected this amount? The community has the right to know how this was spent and whether accounts have been maintained in a transparent manner. (Amount sanctioned, not disbursed as yet, will be spent by the Government on infrastructure — editors) If Dr Cyrus Poonawalla had sponsored the entire event, why were community members charged? (His donation reportedly did not cover all costs incurred — editors)

When some Parsis with wealth and intelligence start losing their sense of belonging to the community they go against all that their forefathers stood for and detach themselves from customs and traditions. If they or some of their family members are intermarried, they try to change religious rules to accommodate their short term desires or support the whimsical members of the community who are sailing in the same boat.

Darius Khambata has proved himself to be deeply ignorant as far as religious knowledge is concerned. Anyone who makes a comment such as "Zarathushtra was not a Parsi" is showing a complete lack of understanding for our history and religion.

Dastur Khurshed Dastoor had a reputation preceding his appointment as a Vada Dastur but the community chose to ignore that and forgave him. The end result is that he has put the religion at great risk. A procedure must be formulated and pressure increased on the other Vada Dasturs and anjumans to strip him of his gadi, which he is not entitled to because of his reformist direction and supporting the ultra-liberal Zarathushtis. Surely Khambata’s speech must have been vetted and approved by the Utsav committee and Dastoor? Though he did not make the comments himself, Dastoor is known for his ultra-liberal slant.

Much was said about the eventual defilement caused by this Utsav prior to the event. People liked it on Facebook and elsewhere but the same people went in hordes and enjoyed the food, fun and games and splashed their pictures all over with misplaced pride.

People fail to realize that our places of worship have very strict rules about not only who can enter, but how one should enter a place of worship, especially the Iranshah. Not only does one have to be of both Zarathushti parents, but one should also be wearing the sudreh and kusti and perform the kusti prayers before entering. This rule was grossly violated despite the organizing committee’s efforts.

Dastoor must step down as Vada Dastur or be forcibly removed from his post. Should another Utsav occur (God forbid!), it must take into account the sanctity of our holy fire and adhere to the rules set forth by boiwallas who are faithfully adhering to all tarikats (customs) and looking after the Iranshah day and night. HUSHANG VAKIL

Board member of Traditional Zoroastrian Mazdayasni Mailing List

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