By Khushroo P. Mehta with inputs by Paricheher Daviervala

Sanjan Day was celebrated with heartfelt pride and vibrant community spirit on 14^th November, 2025, as Zarthostis  from across  India  gathered  at  the  historic Sanjan Memorial Column Grounds to honour this deeply significant occasion. More than a commemoration, Sanjan Day stands as a solemn tribute to our forefathers and to the gracious rulers who welcomed the Parsis to these shores. Each year, large groups from Mumbai and Gujarat travel by road and rail, briefly transforming the serene town of Sanjan into a lively hub of Parsipanu. This year also marked a trio of milestones: the 41^st Sanjan Day Celebration, the 105^th anniversary of the Sanjan Stambh’s public opening, and the 25^th year since the ceremonial time capsule was enshrined beside the monument.

Pareecheher Daviervala welcomed the dignitaries including Chief Guest Justice (Ret’d) Shahrukh Jimi Kathawalla, Vada Dasturji Tempton Mirza, BPP Trustees – Anahita Desai, Dr. Adil Malia, Xerses Dastur and Armaity Tirandaz and others. She expressed gratitude to all the visitors and priests who performed the Jashan. She also highlighted the dedicated efforts of the managing committee in safeguarding the historic property from encroachments.

With nearly 1,300 humdins in attendance, the celebration brought the community together in a spirited and meaningful observance of Sanjan Day. Vada Dasturji Tempton Mirza was felicitated on his elevation, following which the dignitaries shared their thoughts with the audience. In his address, Xerxes Dastur expressed delight on the large turnout of Parsis and thanked the organising committee for their untiring dedicated efforts. Dr. Adil Malia reflected on the importance of heritage, gratitude and responsibility. He highlighted the history of the memorial column and encouraged Parsis to reconnect with our traditions and emphasized the importance of prayer and unity.

Justice (Ret’d) Kathawalla spoke about the origins and significance of Sanjan Day, recalling the arrival of Parsis as refugees on Sanjan shores. He applauded the community’s resilience in building prosperous lives in India while preserving our distinct culture and faith. He recounted how Sir Jivanji Modi rediscovered the proposal for the Memorial Column in 1909, leading to its erection in 1920 through the efforts of Sir Cowasji Jehangir, Sir Pherozshah Mehta and Sir Ratan Tata. He urged renewed focus on Zoroastrian religion, traditions and righteous living to safeguard the community’s future.

Dasturji Mirza reflected on the profound sacrifice of our ancestors to preserve the Zoroastrian faith, recounting from the Qissa-i-Sanjan the installation of Pak Iranshah Atash Behram, whose holy fire burns steadily for over a thousand years, at Udvada. He reminded the community that our prosperity came through integrity, gratitude and unity. As numbers decline, we must protect our prayers, keep the Atash alive in our hearts and guide future generations with knowledge and pride. As our ancestors preserved the faith through courage, we must preserve it through commitment, he said.

The function concluded amidst much camaraderie and joy, with renditions of ‘Chahiye Hume Zarthosti’ and the national anthem, followed by lunch.