The Zoroastrian Association of California (ZAC) buzzed with merriment and activity as members celebrated the auspicious occasions of Jamshedi Navroze and Avan Yazad Parabh with much traditional fervour. The festivities commenced on March 17^th with a community-wide cleaning of the Atashkadeh (fire temple) and the Center, displaying great Parsipanu – with members from age 9 to age 79, volunteering for this noble deed. A bonfire was also lit to dispose of unusabel garyans, kustis and other religious artifacts.

21^st March dawned with traditional and ‘chowk’ designs by Arnavaz Dungore and Ketty Alamshaw spreading festive hues, followed by a Jamshedi Navroze Jashan led by Ervads Zarrir and Zerkxis Bhandara, which drew over 50 Zoroastrians, despite being a weekday. Ph.D. student Er. Zerkxis and Sam Billimoria then delivered an insightful talk on the significance of Jamshedi Navroze. The day concluded with a community lunch comprising Pulav-dal prepared by Zerkxis, delightful Falooda by Feeruza Bisney, and ravo by Dhun Alamshaw.

The eve of 23^rd March witnessed a beautifully laid Haft-seen table by Mahanaaz and Pervez Erani. Dynamic ZAC President – Rooky Fitter warmly welcomed the enthusiastic, 204-strong Zoroastrian crowd, followed by a Humbandagi. The highlight of the evening was the prestigious ZAC Youth of the Year Award, sponsored by the Fitter, Gundevia and Pithawalla families, which was bestowed jointly upon Zane Commissariat and Er. Zerkxis Bhandara. The evening ended with mesmerizing Persian dance performances by professional dancer, choreographer and actor Danish Bhandara. The night ended with a delicious dinner by the Commissariat family and the ZAC Executive Committee.

On 22^nd March, the ZAC Atashkadeh hosted the Avan Yazad Jashan, followed by lunch prepared by Zerkxis Bhandara and Ketty Alamshaw. The celebrations continued on March 31st when 20 ZAC members gathered at Sunset Beach to revere Avan Yazad’s birth anniversary. After prayers, an offering of dudh and sakar was made to Avan Yazad, and everyone was treated to ‘Dal ni poris’ prepared by Rukshana Colabewala, followed by high tea at the beachfront home of Captain Khushroo and Rooky Fitter, in Huntington Beach.

Kudos to the dedication of the hardworking ZAC Executive Committee for their tireless efforts which ensured a joyous and memorable experience for all members, fostering camaraderie within the Zoroastrian community.