The Zoroastrian Youth Association Poona (ZYA) celebrated Khordad Saal, the birthday of Prophet Zarathustra, on 20^th August, 2026, bringing Pune’s Zoroastrian community together for an evening blending tradition, recognition, entertainment and fellowship at The Ladies Club. Kerman Mistry welcomed attendees and thanked ZYA’s donors for their continued support, following which Daanya Irani spoke about the significance of Khordad Saal and the importance of preserving Zoroastrian culture and traditions for younger generations.

Continuing a meaningful ZYA tradition, Behnaz Nanavatti and Kaizeen Kamdin recognised the community’s pallbearers, or Khandiyas, for their invaluable service. Students who had completed their Std. X and XII examinations were also felicitated and wished success for the future, with gifts sponsored by VeDole.

The celebrations soon took a lively turn with a logo-guessing contest featuring well-known Zoroastrian-owned enterprises. Participants ranged from six-year-olds to enthusiastic seniors in their eighties. The youngest attendees, aged just seven and eighteen months, received T-shirts from the Poona Zarthosti Seva Mandal.

No ZYA celebration would be complete without ‘aapru tambola’! Behnaz Nanavatti and Shaun Postwalla hosted an energetic round of Housie, before popular artist and entertainer Robie Wood had guests of all ages jiving, dancing and clapping along. A delicious bhonu rounded off the festivities.

Sanaya Rohinton Nariman praised the cheerful atmosphere, friendship and organisation, while Yazdi Marker emphasised the importance of such social gatherings in keeping Zoroastrians connected and strengthening community bonds.

ZYA, headed by Farah A. Khambatta, works to encourage Zoroastrians, particularly youngsters, to connect and engage with one another while carrying forward the community’s traditions. Its initiatives are supported by its committee, advisory board and numerous generous donors. The Khordad Saal celebration reflected ZYA’s larger purpose: bringing generations together through friendship, faith and fun, while ensuring that Zoroastrian culture and community spirit continue to flourish.

The association’s next initiative will be a General Health Check-up in collaboration with KEM Hospital, Pune, on 11th October, 2026, at Jeejeebhoy Colony Hall, Lullanagar, open to all Zoroastrians. For more details or to join ZYA, contact Farah Khambatta on 9130377764.

[Courtesy: Zoish Z Motiwalla, Secretary, ZYA Poona]