Navsari came alive on the eve of 30th September, 2025, as the Parsi community gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Salgreh of the greatly revered Navsari Pak Atashbehram Padsah Saheb. The celebrations, steeped in faith and festivity, culminated in a grand Gambhar – a free community dinner hosted by well-known Mumbai-based businessman and personality Nozer Soli Meherji, known for his dedication to community welfare, in loving memory of his late parents.

The event, held at the spacious Sirvai Party Plot within the historic Dosibai Kotwal Orphanage premises, brought together Zoroastrians from across Navsari and beyond. The evening commenced with a Jashan, invoking blessings of peace, prosperity and unity for all. Guests were treated to a sumptuous Gambhar catered by Navsari’s famous Sunnu Kasad, known for traditional Parsi delicacies.

Consecrated in 1765, the Navsari Atashbehram is among our community’s oldest surviving sacred fires in the world, its eternal flame continuing to illuminate the lives of countless devotees. Udvada’s Shri Pak Iranshah’s holy fire itself resided in Navsari for nearly 300 years before being moved, cementing the town’s sacred status as the heartland of Zoroastrian heritage. The neighborhood surrounding the fire temple exudes calmness, particularly at sunrise, when the lingering scent of sandalwood mingles with the sound of prayers—a reminder of the city’s timeless devotion.

The Sirvai Party Plot, situated within the Parsi Orphanage grounds, provided an apt venue for the evening’s gathering. Over the decades, this orphanage has stood as a pillar of hope for countless Parsi children, helping them grow into self-reliant, contributing members of society.

This year’s Gambhar held special significance as it was hosted by Nozer Soli Meherji, who recently relocated to Ahmedabad, and who has quietly and consistently dedicated himself to the service of the Parsi community. Known for his humility and quiet integrity, Nozer Meherji embodies the rare grace of those who serve selflessly. His efforts are driven not by the pursuit of recognition, but by a genuine desire to uplift and strengthen the community he so deeply cherishes.

For over 16 years, Nozer Meherji has been sponsoring annual Gambhars at Mumbai’s Allbless and Cama Baugs, ensuring that hundreds of community members come together over a meal, regardless of their social or economic status. This year, moved by personal emotion and a sense of giving back, he extended that generosity to Navsari, the hometown of his late mother, who hailed from our Dharam-ni-Tekdi – Navsari.

The Gambhar was indeed a tribute of love dedicated to his parents’ memory. Nozer Meherji reinforced the Zoroastrian value of ‘Ushta’ – spreading happiness through selfless acts, cemented in his belief that charity should be humble, heartfelt and community-centered. Recently appointed President of WZO India (World Zoroastrian Organization), Nozer Meherji continues to work tirelessly for causes that uplift and unite the community.

Heartfelt gratitude was expressed to all the dedicated volunteers and helpers whose collective efforts ensured the smooth execution and resounding success of this memorable Gambhar. Special appreciation was extended to Yazdi Kasad and Burjis Bamji, for graciously facilitating the availability of the venue plot at extremely short notice, demonstrating exemplary community spirit. Sincere gratitude was expressed to Vada Dasturji Keki Raoji and his brother-in-law, Er. Khurshed Desai, for their gracious presence and wholehearted participation. Much thanks was also conveyed to Kerman Buhariwalla, Arna Tamboli, Navaz and Firdaus Bamji for their consistent support and invaluable contribution towards rendering the event a spectacular success at the short notice of only two days.

As families sat under the open sky, sharing laughter over a delicious meal, one could sense that this was more than a community meal, it was a reaffirmation of the collective Parsi identity. In an age where individualism often overshadows community living, such acts of generosity serve as vital reminders of what keeps the Parsi ethos alive – connection, gratitude and service.

The evening closed on a note of warmth and unity, as the crowd dispersed with smiling faces and full hearts, carrying home the blessings of the Atashbehram and the generosity of a man who continues to give without measure. In the glow of the sacred fire and the laughter of the Gambhar, Navsari once again reminded the world what it truly means to be Parsi: to live with joy, to serve with humility and to keep the flame of community service burning ever bright!

[Ruzbeh F. Umrigar is a​ National Governing Council Member for INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage) as well as Co-convener – INTACH, Navsari Chapter; Coordinator for NMC’s (Navsari Municipal Corp.) Heritage Cell]