Honored for her contributory essays in the esteemed book ‘Waternamah’ which was launched on the occasion, Razvin Namdarian was a special invitee at the grand event. In her added capacity as PT’s Correspondent, she delivers an exclusive first-hand account of the splendid Tri-Centenary Celebrations of the revered Bhikha Behram Well.

It was quite literally a once in a lifetime occasion when the leading members of the Zoroastrian community came together on the eve of 21^st March, 2025, to celebrate three hundred glorious years of the Bhikha Behram Well, at another iconic community landmark – Allbless Baug, which was decorated with much grandeur, befitting the extraordinary occasion. The invitees were impeccably turned out, with many men donning the traditional ‘dagli’ and women resplendent in their ‘garas’ and ‘kor’ sarees.

Earlier in the day, the trustees of the Bhikha Behram Well Trust truly had arranged for a community Jashan at the well’s tranquil pavilion, in the morning, where a commemorative book, aptly titled ‘Waternamah – 300 Years of Mumbai’s Bhikha Behram Well 1725 – 2025’, expertly curated by the illustrious Bachi Karkaria, was launched. Tracing the history, cultural significance and influence of the Well that has transcended not only millennia but communities too, this book demonstrates through well-researched articles, how the Bhikha Behram Well has served Mumbai’s populace though their travails, including the plague, fires and droughts. It continues to stand today, steadfast in its service to humanity, as its waters are available to all, irrespective of their religious persuasion. Kudos to the formidable editor Bachi Karkaria for this masterpiece that would find pride of place in any literary collection.

Trustees, Er. Dr. Burjor Anita (Chairman), Dr. Viraf Kapadia, Homiar Vakil, Pallon Mistry and Shahrookh Davar ensured an auspicious beginning to the evening’s proceedings by arranging for a Jashan at the Allbless Baug as well. Yasmin Charna’s mellifluous monojat rendition added a pleasant lilt to the evening’s proceedings. Er. Dr. Burjor Antia introduced the evening’s Chief Guest, Justice (Retd) Shahrukh Kathawalla, lauding him as a pillar of the community and an exemplary role model for the youth. The Trustees and Justice Kathawalla then officially launched the ‘Waternamah’ and a silver coin that was especially minted to commemorate this year, which has the Bhikha Behram Well (1725-2025) emblazoned on one side and Lord Zarathustra on the other.

A number of community stalwarts who have contributed to the Bhikha Behram Well’s continuing legacy were felicitated, including those who contributed handsomely to ensuring its upkeep and regular maintenance. Nonagenarian Piloo Lalkaka, Chairperson – Zoroastrian Radih Society, stood out for her consistent and uninterrupted dedication to charitable work, despite her advancing years.

Other patrons facilitated for their unstinting faith and perseverance in upholding the sanctity of the well included Hoshaang Gotla and Perzon Zend, who have established a tradition of arranging for the famous ‘Ava Roj Humbandagi’ at the Well, every month for the past 14 years; Kekoo Colah; Percy Lentin for providing the exquisite décor and furniture gratis for the event and being a pillar of support to the trustees; Pallon Mistry who responded with alacrity when one of the walls had collapsed and thanks to his good offices, was repaired in a short span of time; Kirtida Unwalla, a conservation architect serving the well for the past 25 years; and Dr. Mazda Turel.

Other eminent personalities who graced the occasion and were felicitated included Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy – the 8th Baronet, (Rustomjee Maneckjee); His Excellency Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Dr. Pheroza Godrej; Dr. Farokh Udwadia and BPP Chairman – Viraf Mehta, among others. Corporator Makarand Narwekar, who has always extended his cooperation and support to the trustees also graced the event as did Diniar Darab Mehta, President of the BJP Parsi Cell. Members of the Panday family, descendants of Bhikha Behram Panday, Rami and Ana Panday; Freny Tayebjee and Khorshed and Fali Pocha, who are based in Spain, were also present at the occasion and were felicitated by Justice Kathawalla.

Those who had worked unstintingly to create the commemorative volume ‘Waternamah’ were also felicitated, which included of course, editor, Ms Bachi Karkaria, assistant editor Nandini Bhaskaran, noted photographer Sooni Taraporevala, Zarin Amrolia who did the water-colour illustrations for the book and the eminent writers including Berjis Desai, Devdutt Pattanik, Dastur Firoze Kotwal, Firooza Munawwar Ali Razvi, Katayun Saklat,Kavas Kapadia, Khojeste Mistree, Dr. Mazda Turel, Meher Marfatia, Muntansir Dalvi, Narayani Ganesh, Er. Ramiyar Kranjia, Rohinton Nariman, Shernaz Cama, Vayu Naidu, Vinayak Tawar and yours truly – Parsi Times’ very own Razvin Namdarian, who contributed two articles to the ‘Waternamah’. The trustees also acknowledged the tireless service of those who serve the well and the devotees who gather there, including Nadir Tangree Divawalla, his assistant and the gardeners.

The felicitations took up a major part of the evening and the trustees and Justice Kathawalla graciously greeted everyone on the dais. Addressing the gathering, Justice Kathawalla in his speech noted that this was a historic day when everyone had gathered to celebrate 300 years of the Bhikha Behram Well. “This well is often called a ‘miracle well’ by devotees because it has been known to bestow boons and blessings in abundance,” he said. “It’s a precious landmark of faith and piety in the bustling city of Mumbai,” he added sharing his personal saga of faith related to the Bhikha Behram Well. At 16, he eagerly prepared for an elocution competition by the Irani Anjuman, where the first prize was Rs. 150 – a fortune in those days. But he mistakenly arrived at the wrong venue. He prayed to the Bhikha Behram Well and was not only miraculously permitted to compete despite the delay, but went on to win the event and the prize! The well, he further added was a place where, “devotees have drawn not just water, but also solace…May the Bhikha Behram Well forever overflow with sweet water and blessing for our city, our country and our community.”

No Zoroastrian function would be complete without a scrumptious ‘patra’ and caterer Kaizad Patel did not disappoint, serving up delicious traditional ‘lagan nu bhonu’. Incidentally, the diners were also treated to a variety of flavours of premium non-alcoholic beer ‘Bacaano’ from Feroze Sethna’s ‘Feroze Foods and Flavours’. Even as multiple sittings of dinner were underway the guests were entertained by singers Viraf Daruwalla, Ruzbeh and Shiraz who belted out hit musical numbers from the golden era of Bollywood.

The Bhikha Behram Well stands as a timeless testament to faith, its sacred waters blessed by Avan Yazad. As generations of devotees seek solace within its hallowed pavilion, they will draw strength, grace, and spiritual renewal, ensuring the unwavering devotion it inspires. The well is more than a historic landmark – it is a living symbol of devotion, resilience, and the enduring power of prayer. As long as its waters flow and voices rise in reverence, the sanctity of this sacred site will remain unshaken, inspiring countless souls for centuries to come.

Photo Courtesy – Sarosh Daruwalla – Mazda Studios