Ahmedabad: As per news reports, in a move to help Amdavadis better understand Zoroastrian culture and religion, the Punchayet in the city opened the doors of the 90-year-old Vakil Adariyan Agiary to quench the curiosity of non-Parsis, while renovations are underway at the structure. Since it would have to be consecrated again with a new fire at the end of the renovation, it was thought to be a good time to open the doors of the religious hall.
This would also be the first time in the Agiary’s existence that even Parsis have entered its ‘keblo’ or sanctum, as only priests are allowed inside to keep the holy fire burning. The Agiary had not been renovated since 1986 and had developed cracks in one wall, calling for immediate repair, which comprised digging the wall to its foundation and having cement poured in to stop it from collapsing. The repairs cost Rs.50 lakh.