It was a divine coincidence indeed that the 150th Humbandagi, which took place on 23rd March, 2022, on Ava Roj, at the Bhikha Behram Well, coincided with the Paani-nu-Parabh (Ava Mahino, Ava Roj). With none of the usual Jashans (generally performed elsewhere in the city) taking place, and community members unable to visit the waters of Marine Drive via the Paris Gate, over 500 Parsi/Irani Zarthostis thronged the Bhikha Behram Well to attend the Ava Roj Jashan and Humbandagi, earlier this week.
Speaking on the occasion, organiser Hoshaang Gotla, Founder of XYZ Foundation, said, “It took us back to those pre-Covid times, where the young and old of the community would come together to take the blessings of Ava Ardavisur Banu. Back in 2009, when Perzon Zend and I started this initiative, little did we know that we would be able to sustain it month after month, for 150 months!! There is no denying that it is a divine power that makes it possible.”
A Jashan was held at 5:00 pm, followed by a Humbandagi at 6:00 pm, which saw the enthused participation of all the devotees. “We are indebted to the priests who come and perform the Jashan monthly and all the speakers and scholars who enlighten the crowd every Ava Roj, with interesting titbits knowledge about our prayers and customs. We hope the power of Ava Yazad helps us achieve more milestones and as we always mention after the Humbandagi, ‘Pray Together… Stay Together!” concluded Hoshaang Gotla, seeing off the happy Zarthostis return home with smiles on their faces.
