There was much excitement within the Zoroastrian community in Kiwiland on the eve of 1st February, 2021, as they held the Nava Varas (2021) nu Khushali Jashan, at Faroud Shahlori Dar-Be-Mehr situated at 7-Dowling Place in Pakuranga (Auckland, New Zealand). Chasni was distributed post the Jashan, which was performed by priests – Er. Yazad Karkaria and Er. Behzad Karkaria.

Approximately 45 delighted Zarathostis, attended the event, paying homage at this only go-to place for all auspicious occasions and religious events, where new community members are warmly welcomed by Benifer Porus Irani, who takes the lead in selflessly organising all community events for the Zarthostis settled in NZ.

Writes in Benifer Irani, “A community that prays and eats together stays together! Apreh New Zealander- Zarthosties are all khaata-peeta, majha-masti-karta folks anne hallih-mallih neh rehiyeach! There is nothing more nourishing to the soul than our Zoroastrian community offering prayers 47to Ahura Mazda and sharing blessed chasni, along with a yummy meal of lamb shanks and Persian murgh polo! It’s always a heart-warming sight to watch youngsters of our Kiwi-Zoroastrian community in Auckland, come together in large numbers for Khushali, Meheriyan Jashane Sadeh at apruh Dadgah (Foroud Shahlori Dar-Be-Mehr), at ‘ParsiRanga’ – Oops, I mean Pakuranga!”

Even the year end saw special festive preparations with a fun X’mas party, where our dynamic NZ-based bawis – Benifer Irani, Mahafrin Variava and Ferzeen Dadabhoy – organised a Spring-Summer Jashan performed delightfully by six mobeds (Ervads – Jamsheed Tata, Freddy Dastur, Navzad Chhor, Furzan Rao, Zariab Karkaria and Behzad Karkaria) in gratitude for making it through 2020, safe and sound.

It truly was the season to be jolly in Kiwiland with the Kiwi-Zarthosti Christmas Party! Craft projects like making Xmas tree from ice-cream sticks were organised to keep the kids busy so that adults could have a more free and fun time like group dancing with 80 happy Zarthostis rocking away! Delectable starters with chicken charcoal biryani and flavourful kulfis were enjoyed thoroughly by all 120 attendees. There was Mrs. Santa Claus who gave away gifts to kids and seniors and received lots of kisses in return!

Special thanks was given to Porus Irani of Mazda Builders Limited, for sponsoring the event, as also to Benifer Irani for her constant participation and support towards keeping the NZ’s Zoroastrian community alive and rocking with fun events.