By Adv. Aazmeen Kasad

On 30^th July, 2026 (Roj Behram, Mah Asfandarmad), Pak Aslaji Agiary celebrated its glorious 177^th Salgreh with a great outpouring of faith and devotion by countless pilgrims who came from all over Mumbai to pay their homage to the Pak Atash Padshah Saheb.

Beautifully adorned with fragrant floral decorations and thick rope torans, the Agiary captivated the devotees as well as passers-by alike. A professionally crafted Salgreh Chowk welcomed devotees while every framed photograph inside the hall was elegantly venerated with fresh rose and marigold garlands. A stunning custom-made glass and crystal bead toran bearing the words ‘Aslaji Agiary ni Madad Hojoji’ in Gujarati, lovingly handcrafted over two and a half months by octogenarian sisters who suffer from speech and hearing disability – Mahrukh and Zarine Mistry of RZM Torans, drew much admiration.

Aslaji Agiary’s 177^th salgreh was celebrated with the ceremonial Hama Anjuman Machi at 7:00am followed by two Hama Anjuman Jashans, held at 9:30am and 5:00pm, both led by Panthak Er. Farhad Bagli alongside dedicated priests – Ervads: Eric Unwalla, Yazad Bagli, Zarvan Bharda, Rehan Darbari, Leon Darbari, Farzan Dastur, Kerman Darbari, Pervez Karanjia, Nekzad Pandol, Kurush Dastur. During both the Jashans, the hall was packed beyond capacity, with all chairs occupied and a continuous stream of devotees coming to pay their respects and partake of the divine vibrations. A collective Humbandagi was recited post the evening Jashan.

Alongside the Jashans, the Atash Padshah in the Kebla was continuously tended by Er. Rayomand Solai offering Sukhad, Machis and Kathis given by devotees and praying Tandarostis as per requests. In the hall on the first floor, several mobeds were praying the Baj and Afargan prayers for Er. Kookadaru Saheb on behalf of devotees, prayed each Behram Roj at the Agiary. Devotees returned with packed chasni and snacks.

Aslaji Agiary holds a special place in the hearts of countless Parsi Zoroastrians, who believe that sincere prayers offered here are answered. For generations, devotees have thronged the Agiary, especially on Fridays, Meher Roj and Behram Roj, to offer Baj, Afargan and Farokshi prayers in reverence to Dasturji Afshun Shah Faridoon and Dasturji Kookadaru Saheb.