The Umrigar Agiary at Uran celebrated its 113th Salgreh on 8th October, 2017, amongst five hundred Zarthostis who travelled from Mumbai by sea and road to be present at the Agiary for the Khushali nu Jasan performed by Er. Hormuz Dadachanji, Er. Porus Katrak, Er. Kaivan Katrak, Er. Ardafrauash Zaroliwala and Hosedar Zaroliwala, at 10:00 am. Following a Humbandagi, the Zarthostis enjoyed a round of rich fruit and malido chasni. Since the past six years, young Er. Viraf Pavri visits Uran’s agiary early on its Salgreh day to perform the buoy ceremony in memory of his mentor, Er. Kaikobad Randeria ex-Panthak of Uran Agiary.

The entertainment program commenced in the Agiary’s compound with Marzban Wadia enthralling the crowd with melodious Parsi songs, joined by a few other group artists who took turns to sing old Hindi film melodies. Refreshing old memories, Er. Parvez Bajan took to the mike and compared old Parsi get-togethers to the present times, stating, “It is a binding factor when we meet on such occasions as the Uran Agiary Salgreh.” Comparing the religious importance of Agiaries and Zarthostis in Iran and in India, Dr. Bajan elucidated that in Iran, Zarthostis long to go to the Agiary but due to the current scenario, they can do so only secretively with fear. In India, we have our Atash Behrams and Agiaries open all day long and are safe and sacred places of visit for all Zarthostis. More entertainment and music later, the crowd proceeded for lunch catered by Ketayun Khambata and family.

A quick word with the caretaker of Uran agiary, Kersi Sui informs us that the Agiary needs funds for its daily upkeep and kathi to keep the Atash Padshah glowing. So a request to all our PT readers to come forward and generously contribute towards this noble cause. For details, contact Kersi Sui on (022) 27230047.