The World Zoroastrian Organisation (Feltham, London) celebrated the Jashn-e-Tirgan festival at the World Zoroastrian House recently, attracting over 120 Parsi and Irani Zoroastrians, some attending for the first time, with many young adults.

As the fest of Tirgan honours water, one of the most vital elements sustaining life on earth, a special table was laid with the items (sofreh) symbolizing harmonious workings of fire, earth and water. The celebration commenced with a slide show and talk by Dr. Ravi Khetrapal who shared his encyclopaedic knowledge on legends, traditional stories and history, with a special fondness for Iran. After lunch, which was served with a Persian twist, resident priest Er. Fali Madon recited a section of Ab Zohr – a tribute of thanksgiving for the gift of water, by the pond located in front of the centre.

The program comprised various activities relevant to Persian history, like practicing bow and arrow skills as a reference to Arash the Ironsmith, whose far arrow shot determined the boundary between Iran and Turan and brought final peace to the people of the area, followed by a fun drenching session, an impromptu Iranian dancing session accompanied by the daf erbane drum. A projector also screened the thrilling finale of the England vs. Slovakia football match for soccer enthusiasts, where England tasted victory. And thus concluded an enjoyable and memorable Jashn-e-Tirgan fest, amidst much camaraderie.