One of Mumbai’s youngest fire temples, the Shapoorji Fakirji Jokhi Agiary, located in Mumbai’s Godrej Baug, celebrated its 25th anniversary on 14th December, 2024. Built by the magnanimous Jokhi family, the Agiary serves hundreds of families living in and around Godrej Baug. There was much excitement in Godrej Baug with residents decorating the entrances of their buildings with colorful rangoli and the Agiary too adorned with flowers, lights and rangoli.

The evening commenced with an auspicious Machi and Jashan led by Vada Dasturji Cyrus Noshirwan Dastur accompanied by Godrej Baug Agiary’s Panthaky Er. Harvesp Madon, alongside twenty-five priests praying in unison, filling the packed hall with religious fervor. This was followed by a function at Eco-park. The eve was graced by Chief Guests Mr. and Mrs. Rustom Jokhi and their son Daryus, who flew in from Hong Kong especially for the occasion.

The program began with a prayer led by Er. Jehaan Darbari, followed by melodious monajats sung by the Baug’s children, a skit depicting the journey of the holy fire enthroned at the Godrej Baug agiary and a foot-tapping dance performance. Secretary, of Godrej Baug Residents Welfare Association, Shahrukh Billimoria welcomed the guests alongside President Farhad Hozdar, who requested the dignitaries on the dais to release a special commemorative 10-gram silver coin, especially issued for the occasion.

Keynote speaker, Er. Dr. Parvez Bajan spoke on the significance of our holy fire, while Chief Guest Rustom Jokhi shared about his family’s inspiring legacy of philanthropy in Mumbai and other cities. Jeroo Nargolwala and Er. Harvesp Pervez Madon were felicitated for their dedicated service. The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Hon Jt. Secretary, Nilufer Nasirabadwala, and a special display of gorgeous garas by Naju Daver, alongside our handsome bawas strutting in traditional duglis. Zenobia Daver received a floral felicitation for her support. The evening wrapped up amidst much camaraderie with the rendition of ‘Chahiye Hume Zarthosti’ and the National Anthem and a contributory dinner by Baktawar Dalal.

(The holy Aatash Padshah at the Jokhi Agiary was brought to Mumbai from Navsari, in December 1999, after being shifted from its original shrine at an Agiary in Tavri village in the 1960s. The fire was first taken to Khareghat Colony’s Vatcha Gandhi Agiary, where important ceremonies were performed, before it was finally enthroned at the Jokhi Agiary.)

May the glorious holy fire in the Jokhi Agiary blaze on ever robustly and continue blessing our community!