“A sea of mobeds”

To "thank and encourage them” and to "boost their morale,” the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis (WAPIZ) invited and felicitated Bombay-based priests at Allbless Baug on November 23, 2023. WAPIZ chief executive officer and Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee Anahita Desai called it an "evening of devotion and gratitude.” She explained that "looking at the declining number of mobeds, WAPIZ took the initiative… Our community usually acknowledges lawyers, doctors, business tycoons, but we rarely acknowledge, thank and honor the persons who are responsible for the survival of our religion.” Desai stated in a note to Parsiana that along with the priests, WAPIZ ensured that the support given by the wives and families of the mobeds was acknowledged, "that is so important for them to perform their duties as good mobeds.” Over 120 full-time athravans who had completed 25 years and more of service were felicitated, and presented with Rs 25,000 each.

Top: Felicitating mobeds: audience; 2nd row, from l: Karyesh Patel,

Anahita Desai, Burges Wania, Khojeste Mistree, Meher Panthaki,

Farrokh Rustomji; Dastur Keki Ravji Meherjirana, Mistree, Panthaki

This felicitation was possible though a gift from the estate of Coomie and Soli Dariwalla through WAPIZ chairperson, Meher Panthaki. Desai too provided "a token of gratitude” in memory of her husband Yazdi, former chairman of the BPP.

In a message read out at the function, Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal stated that priesthood is not a business, but a spiritual industry. "All priests are doubly blessed for performing ceremonies faithfully” by the departed souls as well as the Farohars, he noted.

"Rarely or never have so many mobeds come together and it was a sea of mobeds in their daglis and pugrees along with many of their wives in beautiful garas,” Desai noted. Entertainment included a medley of songs by mother-daughter duo Rukhshana and Meheraaz Delkhah. Jimmy Gadiwala undertook the catering.