The Zoroastrian Association Center (ZAC) celebrated the auspicious occasion of Khordad Saal on August 20^th, 2022, which comprised rituals, fun and festivity and was a joyous experience for all. Celebrations took place at the beautiful ZAC center located in the Orange County (Los Angeles) with the sanctum sanctorum of the Atash Kadeh facing east towards the main entrance with an adjoining suitable space for rituals.

The function, which was well attended by about 180 Zoroastrians, started with a benediction by Ervads Jal Birdy and Zarrir Bhandara, after which ZAC President – Rooky Fitter announced the names of the successful recipients of Cyrus Fatakia Scholarships. Next, a video screened the volleyball championship played between the California Zoroastrian center and ZAC members. Er. Jal Birdy was felicitated by the ZAC committee for rendering 75 years of glorious religious service to the community. The highlight of the evening was the play ‘Ameshaspentas’, performed by the children and youth of ZAC religious class (Farzan, Zubin, Vahishta, Reishad Pagdiwalla, Taronish, Behram, Ushain, Iyana, Arshan, Arshya and Aria) under the guidance and direction of Gulshan Pagdiwalla. The evening ended with an Indian dinner.

On the morning of August 21^st, 2022, a special ‘Khordad Saal Khodae Jashan’ was performed by Ers. Jal Birdy, Zarrir Bhandara and his son Zerkxis. Prior to the Jashan, Er. Zarrir performed the Bui ceremony. Ers. Zarrir and Zerkxis brought the appropriate fruits and flowers and performed the purification ritual (3 stages – Chokkhu, Pak, Pau), for the ritual. These offerings serve a dual purpose – as offerings to the spiritual world; and as receiving the blessings back from the spiritual world.

Er. Zerkxis (who has completed his Masters in Religious Studies from UCLA, is also studying the Avesta under Dr. Er. Ramiyar Karanjia; and Sanskrit under Professor Billimoria) officiated the Jashan, in a way that delighted the 70 attendees with his sonorous phrasing that gathered deeper momentum as the Jashan progressed. A special Karda stipulated for Khordad Saal was also recited. After the Jashan, a special Tandarosti was recited with the 70 participants for the members having birthdays in the month of August​,​ which was followed by Er. Zarrir addressing the participants with a brief talk on Khordad Saal. The day ended with vegetarian lunch prepared by the ZAC members.