Devotees gathered at the Bhikha Behram Kua to mark the auspicious occasion of the 169^th Humbandagi celebrations at the holy Bhikha Behram Well, on 24^th October, 2023, Ava Roj – Khordad Mah, which coincided with the bank holiday for Dassehra. The day was filled with spiritual festivities, a captivating talk by Er. Meher Mody, and a marvellous Jashan ceremony was performed by a group of young Mobeds.

The day commenced with a Jashan ceremony at 10:30 am, a heartfelt prayer session to invoke divine blessings and express gratitude for the beginning of the 15^th year of the Humbandagi on Ava Roj at the Bhikha Behram Well. This tradition holds immense significance in the Parsi community in Mumbai, as it represents the continuity of faith and tradition, over many years.

The Jashan ceremony was notably led by a group of young Mobeds, showcasing their dedication and commitment to preserving our rich heritage. Their active participation in this ceremony underlined the passing of the torch to the next generation, ensuring that the legacy of the Zoroastrian faith remained ever vibrant and alive. This collaborative effort by these young Mobeds also symbolizes the passing of spiritual knowledge and the commitment to the faith’s continuity, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and guidance in nurturing future generations.

In addition to the Jashan, the highlight of the event was a thought-provoking talk by Er. Meher Mody, Trustee of Empowering Mobeds. The topic, ‘Behdins And Mobeds – Challenges Facing The Next Generation’, touched upon the contemporary challenges faced by the community and the role of Mobeds in addressing these issues. Er. Meher Mody’s insights provided a fresh perspective on how the community could adapt to meet the changing needs of the younger generation, while upholding their religious and cultural values.

The Jashan samagri was courtesy of the Karani Agiary, adding to the spiritual significance of the event. As the community comes together to celebrate the Humbandagi on Ava Roj, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of tradition and faith that has been woven across centuries, and the duty to preserve and pass it on to the generations to come.

The 169^th Humbandagi celebrations at Bhikha Behram Kua was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Hoshaang Gotla and Parzon Zend, who have been organizing this event since October 2009. Kudos to their unwavering commitment towards ensuring the continuity of this cherished tradition.