Over 200 community members of Navsari gathered at the banks of the Lok Mata Purna river last week to observe the Avan Yazad Parabh with devotion and tradition. The annual ritual saw devotees offering coconuts, flowers and sugar, along with prayers seeking fertility and prosperity. A Jashan ceremony was performed, reflecting our community’s deep-rooted reverence for water.

Traditionally, most Parsi households in Navsari maintained private wells where families offered prayers. With changing times, urbanisation and migration have led to a decline in this practice, with only a few homes retaining such wells today. In response, the observance has evolved into a collective annual gathering at the riverfront, bringing the community together in larger numbers while preserving its cultural essence.

The event continues to strengthen the spiritual connection with nature and fosters a sense of unity, drawing increasing participation each year. The celebration concluded with the sharing of traditional delicacies such as dar-ni-pori, symbolising warmth, sweetness and togetherness.

[Courtesy: Ruzbeh Umrigar]