The 192^nd salgreh of the M. J. Wadia Agiary, at Lalbaug, was celebrated with devotion and spiritual fervour on 30^th June, 2026, drawing a packed congregation despite the heavy rains, reaffirming the unwavering faith of devotees, who gathered to offer prayers and participate in a thought-provoking programme themed, ‘Meditation: The Avestan Way’, highlighting the timeless relevance of moving from outer chaos to inner peace.

The celebrations commenced with a nine-Mobed Jashan led by the Agiary’s Manager, Er. Kersi Bhada. Welcoming the gathering, Chairman Trustee of the M J Wadia Fire Temple Trust, Kersi Limathwalla, emphasised that meditation has always been an integral part of the Zoroastrian faith. Referring to the lives of Asho Zarathushtra, Shah Lohrasp Padshah, Dastur Arda Viraf and Dastur Azar Kaiwaan, he explained how deep contemplation and ‘Pur Manashni’ (Good Thoughts) enabled them to attain divine wisdom and spiritual insight. While acknowledging that such intense meditation may be difficult for householders, he encouraged everyone to adopt simple, regular meditation as a daily practice, describing it as a “daily pill” for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. He spoke about the benefits of mindful meditation, chanting the 101 Names, creative visualisation and the healing vibrations of Ahun, which together help cultivate compassion, intuition and inner peace.

Structured Religious Course Director, Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, elaborated on the concept of ‘Prayerful Meditation’, explaining that in the Zoroastrian tradition, prayers themselves were a form of meditation. He described Avestan Manthra as a means of directing the mind inward, allowing individuals to rise from the material to the spiritual realm. By calming the senses and nurturing Vohu Manah (Good Mind) and Armaiti (Devotion), prayer helps sow the seeds of goodness within the subconscious, ultimately leading to spiritual awakening. Summing up his talk, he remarked, “Learn to mind the mind, and the mind will look after us.”

Compere Roxane Desai shared her inspiring journey, describing how focused prayer and meditation helped her cope with Trigeminal Neuralgia. Reflecting on the lessons learnt, she encouraged the audience to remain calm, avoid reacting impulsively, trust in divine timing and embrace meditation as an art of surrender.

Guest speaker and meditation coach, Firooza Chhapgar, likened the restless human mind to a “scorpion-strung, alcohol-drunk monkey”, explaining that meditation serves as its much-needed reset button. She highlighted mindfulness, disciplined focus, living in the present and remaining unattached to outcomes as key principles of meditation, which ultimately lead to relaxation, heightened awareness and freedom from ego.

Inspired by the overwhelming response, the M J Wadia Fire Temple Trust announced that it will restart its Structured Meditation Classes from August 2026, with monthly sessions aimed at helping participants better understand the workings of the mind, soul and consciousness.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Er. Kersi Bhada, who also commemorated the 20^th anniversary of the Agiary’s renovation. He expressed gratitude to Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastur, Chairman Trustee Kersi Limathwalla, the late Zarir Bhathena, Cyrus Unwalla, Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, devotees and the Agiary staff for their invaluable contributions over the years.

Monajats were then presented by participants of the Structured Religious Course under the guidance of Viraf Daruwala added a fitting musical finale to the celebrations. Refreshments sponsored by Kersi Guzder of Grub Corner brought the memorable evening to a warm and joyous close.