– Aazmeen Kasad –

On the bright and auspicious morning of 30^th September, 2025 (Sarosh Roj, Ardibehesht Mahino; YZ 1395), Mumbai’s first Shahenshahi Atash Behram – Seth Hormasjee Bomanjee Wadiaji Atash Behram, marked its glorious 196^th Salgreh with vibrant ‘Sal Mubarak’ chowks and fragrant lily rope torans adorned with red roses and marigolds. The majestic structure, celebrated for its fusion of Indo-Iranian architecture with fluted columns, crenellated verandahs and Persepolis-inspired bull capitals, echoed the grandeur of King Xerxes’ palace as devotees gathered to celebrate this sacred milestone.

The pak Atash Padshah Saheb was offered a 2.5 kg sukhad Machi by the Trustees in the Havan Gah, followed by a Hama Anjuman Jashan, where not a single vacant chair was visible, as over a hundred devotees from across the city congregated to join in the celebrations. The morning Jashan was performed in the presence of several Vada Dasturjis, notably Dasturji Dr. Firoze M. Kotwal, Dasturji Tempton Mirza, Dr. Khurshetji Dastur and Dr. Pervez Baja. Er. Adil Bhesania (Boiwalla) led the Jashan alongside 34 other priests.

The morning Jashan concluded with a collective Hambandagi chanted fervently by all present. The revered Vada Dasturjis were honoured with shawls and garlands by the Trustees and the Manager – Khurshid Mistry. The Mobeds also received gifts. The evening Jashan was performed with Boiwalla Er. Adil Bhesania again leading the ceremony, along with 11 other priests. All devotees received chasni and a take-away box of treats.

Consecrated on 17 November 1830 by the sons of Seth Hormasjee Bomanjee Wadiaji in fulfilment of their late father’s wish, with the ceremony led by Dastur Edulji Darabji Rustomji Sanjana, this sacred Atashbehram has since witnessed countless Ijasnis, Vendidads, and Nirang Din kriyas performed within its revered precincts, offering generations of devotees the privilege of participating in and preserving these timeless Zoroastrian rituals.