The Muncherji Jamshetji Agiary was packed to the rafters as the Jashan ceremony got underway to celebrate the glorious 13^th anniversary of the renovation of the Agiary and its hall, on the eve of Roj Meher – Mah Meher, 28^th February, 2020. It also marks the day on which the ‘Structured Religious Course’ was initiated, under the able guidance of its able and committed Director, Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia.

All present were privileged to hear the Jashan ceremony being conducted by Udvada’s Vada Dasturji, Khurshed Dastoor. His dulcet tones resonated through the sanctum sanatorium and everyone present truly felt blessed and at peace. Chasni was then distributed to all, who then made their way to the hall to partake of the rest of the evening’s program.

Luminaries on the dais included the Chairman of the MJ Wadia Fire Temple Trust – Kersi Limathwalla, Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia; and Trustees – Sam Wadia, Dara Mehta and Darayus Desai. Roxane Desai, one of the pillars of support for the religious course, began the evening sharing that the theme for the day was ‘Perfection’, as has been extolled the Khordad Ameshaspan.

Jamshed Kotwal invoked the blessings of Ahura Mazda on all present by singing ‘Asho Zarthost Paigambar.’

Vada Dasturji commended the trustees, and those who had taken the initiative to start the religious course, on their commitment and zeal which had made it such a resounding success. He further added that while there was no doubt that our community was dwindling in numbers, the present times called for more of the community’s youth to be encouraged to participate in our religious and other community activities. His point was brought to the fore by the fact that, other than the parents of the children present, there were barely any people between the ages of 15 – 45 years present.

Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia expounded at length on the theme of perfection and the ‘Yazads’ that were an essential part of our lives.

One of the most awaited sections of the evening was the religious quiz – Kaun Banega Champion – KBC Parsi style! It was a team challenge and the kids, part of the religious classes, were divided into three teams – Humata, Hukhta and Hvarshta. Questions were related to what had been taught in the class and many in the audience were impressed by the prowess of the children in matters related to our religious tenets. Team Humata won by a great lead, with the other two teams tying at second place.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks and the audience joining Jamshed Kotwal in the evergreen favourite ‘Chaiye Hame Zarthosti’ anthem. This was followed by a sumptuous dinner catered by Jimmy Gaddiwala.