14-year-old, Er. Meherzad Farzad Bulsara has demonstrated that devotion, discipline and a deep sense of responsibility can transcend years. Ordained as a Navar and Martab from the Banaji Limji Agiary in Mumbai, Meherzad has already spent several years serving as a part-time practising mobed at Karani Agiary in Cusrow Baug. Recently, he undertook a remarkable voluntary religious service tour that took him across four Agiaries, earning heartfelt appreciation from the community.

Accompanied by his father, Farzad Bulsara, Meherzad committed himself to staying at each Agiary and performing the complete cycle of Boi ceremonies, thereby allowing resident mobeds a period of rest. Rooted in humility and continuity of service, the initiative began quietly, focused on supporting Agiaries that often function away from the spotlight. Community support soon followed, with Machi collections and donations gathering momentum. Contributions prioritised smaller village Agiaries, while a WhatsApp group ensured transparency and early supporters helped set the effort in motion. In all, 41 Machis were performed and Rs. 2.7 lakh were collected and distributed equally among the four Agiaries for the Kathi Fund, maintenance needs and payment to mobeds and caretakers.

The first stop was Tarapore Agiary, where Meherzad stayed at the Cawasji Mobedji Dharamshala and performed 14 Boi ceremonies over three and a half days. Trustees ensured seamless arrangements, and the spiritually fulfilling experience had Meherzad returning to perform an additional Rapithwan Geh Boi before heading back to Mumbai.

In Bordi, Meherzad stayed in the mobed quarters and conducted ceremonies under senior mobeds’ supervision. After witnessing his first Boi, a senior mobed expressed complete confidence in his capability. Davier proved equally memorable, living in the well-maintained sanatorium within the Agiary compound, where Meherzad’s flawless rendition, especially the concluding Boi and Anjuman Jashan had everyone praise his clarity of chanting, alongside tokens of appreciation.

The final leg at Nargol was the most demanding, with a Dadgah and an Adaran, Meherzad completed 14 Bois and visited the Nargol Doongerwadi as well as interacted with senior community members, ending with a letter of appreciation from the Anjuman.

Currently studying in Standard 9, Er. Meherzad balances his prayers and academics with a love for badminton, football and cycling. Speaking to Parsi Times, Er. Meherzad and Farzad Bulsara shared, “The journey offered profound reflections, giving deeper meaning to the phrase “We celebrate their presence,” now understood as a tribute to trustees who work tirelessly, often unseen, to sustain our institutions. It highlighted the heavy, ongoing financial responsibilities of maintaining Agiaries, Dharamshalas, Kathis, staff and Doongerwadi lands. The experience showed that brief visits cannot capture the depth or serenity of sacred spaces, and that well-maintained sanatoriums are vital for encouraging footfall in remote areas. While tradition remains central, communication must evolve to engage younger Parsis, reminding us that heritage endures only when the community shares responsibility with commitment and care.