When the epochal fire lit

Date

February 5, 2012

Post by

arZan

Category

Events | Festivities

A peek inside Delhi’s fire temple

Dar-e-Mehr at the Delhi Parsi Anjuman is the only fire temple in the entire Northern belt of India. Its fire was consecrated on 31 December 1961. The history of Parsis (Zorastrians in India) has been of interest and intrigue to many. As per the 2001 census, the Parsi population in India is a little over 70,000. Out of this, about a third are in Mumbai and a much smaller population resides in Delhi. The community is constantly decreasing in number due to several factors, the most prominent of which are emigration, marrying outside the community and low fertility. The failure to accept a non-Parsi spouse into the Parsi community is the most common reason. Atrophy in the community is a major cause of concern for its community members as one-third of the Parsi population are over the age of 60.

Article by Manmeet Sahni | Himal Mag

Recently, Dar-e-Meher celebrated 50 years of consecration of its holy fire. It was held at the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and saw Parsi dignitaries, ‘Vada-Dasturjis’ – high priests – and scholars from all over the world taking part in the Grande affaire. The Golden Anniversary of the consecration of ‘Padshah Saheb’ (Holy Fire) was a milestone event for the Parsis and on this auspicious occasion a ‘Maha Jashn’ (Grand Celebration) was organized for the entire community. The cultural and religious amalgam was enriched with sumptuous Parsi delicacies.

firetemple_1

The Parsis have a long history, there are enthralling ‘quissaz’ (incidental tales) pertaining to their settlement in the Indian subcontinent. One of the most prominent is the ‘Quissa-i-Sanjan’ which the Parsis have religiously endorsed as their tale of forbearance. It charts their historic lineage in India. Qissa-i-Sanjan, the epic poem which is believed to originate in the Greater Khorasan (a historic region in Greater Iran and is mentioned in the ancient accounts of Sassanid Empire) is a travelogue entailing the travels of Zoroastrian emigrants to the western shores of India (Gujarat). Soon after the Zoroastrians escaped the barbaric holds of the Islamic invaders and the Sassanian king Yazdegard, the first Fire Temple was consecrated at Sanjan (Gujarat) in 790 A.D. Qissa-i-Sanjan which is written heavily in verbose style, a typical feature of Parsian verse was authored by a Parsi priest Bahman Kaikobad Hamjiar Sanjana.

The Fire Temple of the Parsi community can be classified into three types: Atash Behram, Atash Adarn, Agiari or Dar-e-Mehr and the Atash Dadgah or the household fire found in most of Parsi homes. The Delhi Fire Temple is the Dar-e-Mehr or the Agiari. Dar-e-Mehr in Delhi is situated in the heart of the city; the premises are surrounded by plush greens and remain hidden from the public glare. On an early winter morning, as I walked down the gates of the Fire Temple, I saw beam of golden rays inaugurate the beautiful dawn prayer of ‘Hosh-e-Baam’. The sanctimonious prayer worded ‘through Asha (hope) most high, Asha (hope) most pure’ rendered a serene fervor to the place. Standing near the temple premise, the bright rows of white, golden and saffron flowers embellished the walls of the temple. The view was divine and magnificent. There were also Parsi ‘chokras’ and ‘chokris’ who stood chattering among themselves. The aunties and uncles in effervescent celebratory moods were clad in traditional costumes. The traditional hand-crafted Parsi weaves looked majestic sitting on display. Shiny metal broaches, silver and golden pendants of ‘Faravahar’ (affiliated to the Parsi guardian angel-Fravashi) adorned many.

One of my Parsi friends standing next to me whispered, “You are going to be part of our history! It is the first time that the Parsi prayers are being performed out in the open for the Non-Parsis to be a part of them.” It was a revelatory moment for me to see the Parsi priests standing on an elevated platform to perform their liturgical ceremonies. The reading from the Holy Scriptures and performances of the rituals circumscribing the holy fire was a sight of sheer beauty and joy. The holy fire burnt with élan while the vessel in which it burnt mirrored the performing priests. The event marked a new episode in the lives of the Delhi Parsis. The non-Parsi spouses were the star attraction in this historic religious event. It was an attempt to include the excluded from the community and make them feel at home, a part of the commune. This event was a significant move to cut through the age-old customs and adapt to the present times. During the course of the event, it became clear that at the heart of the debate was whether or not to adapt to the changing times, or how feasible it would be to include the ‘excluded’ Non-Parsi spouse. The elderly scholars from Iran, ‘Vada-Dasturjis’ (high priests), vividly expressed their take on the matter. There were arguments and counter-arguments to the debate. Also expressed, radical thoughts whether women priests should be introduced into the Fire Temple and should Parsi priests be involved in administrative affairs formed part of the discussion. There were concerns raised and thoughts shared about helping the economically trodden section of the community and society at large, and treatment levied on people working at the tower of silence.

Being the assistant editor of the annual golden celebratory issue of ‘Deepanjali’, a Parsi magazine, I got a rare opportunity to have a proximate interaction with the people from the community. “Parsis are a close-knit community” remarked Mrs. Dhun Bagli, manager of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman. “It is tragic that the community is on a steady decline, but the rules set by our ancestors need to be respected”.

Novy Kapadia, grandson to the first president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman clarifies, “In a global society where more and more Parsis are emigrating, how can one control the community members and make them adhere to the age-old rules? It is important to advocate freedom of choice and to respect the same.” It is evident that the younger generation is quite unhappy with the systematic orthodoxy practiced and prescribed by a certain section of myopic religious visionaries in India and elsewhere, mostly by the Mumbai tribe of Parsis. This old-world rule is being widely challenged and criticized as more and more Parsis are opting for inter-cultural marriage these days. Seventy-three year old Mrs. Ava Khullar, trustee of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman, is married to a Hindu. She forcefully pointed out, “Our community is disappearing from the face of earth.” How long would we hold onto the obscure belief of self-preservation and intermarriage leading to a dilution of faith and weakening of cultural bonds?

Dadi Mistry, President, Delhi Parsi Anjuman expressed his eagerness to involve the Parsi youth in the affairs of the community. “Community building should come through the younger generation. They should feel responsible to carry forward the Parsi ways and I feel that with changing times, we should be open to change and adapt where necessary. There are so many things that one should be concerned about, like the preservation of the historical documents and issues pertaining to ‘Para-mobed’ (temporary priest).” The priesthood in the community is more or less inheritance based, but of late, the trend is changing. The community is now facing a dearth of priests as the younger lot prefers to pursue occupations other than becoming a priest. The meager amount paid for the priestly ‘duties’ is one significant reason driving the Parsi priests out of their current occupation, along with other occupational hazards like long hours of standing near the smoke and fire. Para-Mobeds (trained priests who perform the daily rituals at the temple) are now coming to the fore. A proper training is given to ensure the priestly rites are performed in accordance to the norms of the temples.

There is a dire need to gut out the orthodoxies apparently required for ‘self-preservation’, to ensure preservation in a real sense of the word. As the priests marked an epoch in the Parsi history with the Hosh-e-Baam I attended, there was a ray of hope among many in the crowd who had voiced their deep-rooted concern: “We do not want our community to perish.”

Link to article sent by Cyrus Bulsara via email

126 Comments

  1. Contradhongi

    One of my Parsi friends standing next to me whispered, “You are going to
    be part of our history! It is the first time that the Parsi prayers are
    being performed out in the open for the Non-Parsis to be a part of
    them.”. So says the Author. People have to brace for some relaxation in the outmoded traditions. Why the High Priests now will not ask Delhi Anjuman to declare the Delhi Priests who performed the Jashan  as ‘ renegades’? Do we have one set of traditions(1) for New Delhi and another for Mumbai?

  2. Contradhongi

    One of my Parsi friends standing next to me whispered, “You are going to
    be part of our history! It is the first time that the Parsi prayers are
    being performed out in the open for the Non-Parsis to be a part of
    them.”. So says the Author. People have to brace for some relaxation in the outmoded traditions. Why the High Priests now will not ask Delhi Anjuman to declare the Delhi Priests who performed the Jashan  as ‘ renegades’? Do we have one set of traditions(1) for New Delhi and another for Mumbai?

  3. Contradhongi

    One of my Parsi friends standing next to me whispered, “You are going to
    be part of our history! It is the first time that the Parsi prayers are
    being performed out in the open for the Non-Parsis to be a part of
    them.”. So says the Author. People have to brace for some relaxation in the outmoded traditions. Why the High Priests now will not ask Delhi Anjuman to declare the Delhi Priests who performed the Jashan  as ‘ renegades’? Do we have one set of traditions(1) for New Delhi and another for Mumbai?

  4. Boman Patel

    How those claiming to be Scholars of Zoroastrianism can befool people was seen by me yesterday at Karani Fire Temple which I visited on occasion of its Anniversary. It is a known fact that Mobile Phones  are prohibited because these orthodox claim that they interfere with our prayers. Yet in the said Agiary one  Adi Doctor when on sermonizing  on the microphone about Nankhatai and Batasas at Udwada  was disregarding the chanting of Boi prayers of Aivisathum Geh. His pearls of wisdom were a source of distraction to put it mildly, for those who wanted to offer their own silent prayer to Atash Padshah. So much for the tall talk of  observing tenets passed on by earlier generations.

  5. filboy

    Thank god the parsi religion is preseverved well in western India

  6. Boman Patel

    How those claiming to be Scholars of Zoroastrianism can befool people was seen by me yesterday at Karani Fire Temple which I visited on occasion of its Anniversary. It is a known fact that Mobile Phones  are prohibited because these orthodox claim that they interfere with our prayers. Yet in the said Agiary one  Adi Doctor when on sermonizing  on the microphone about Nankhatai and Batasas at Udwada  was disregarding the chanting of Boi prayers of Aivisathum Geh. His pearls of wisdom were a source of distraction to put it mildly, for those who wanted to offer their own silent prayer to Atash Padshah. So much for the tall talk of  observing tenets passed on by earlier generations.

  7. Boman Patel

    How those claiming to be Scholars of Zoroastrianism can befool people was seen by me yesterday at Karani Fire Temple which I visited on occasion of its Anniversary. It is a known fact that Mobile Phones  are prohibited because these orthodox claim that they interfere with our prayers. Yet in the said Agiary one  Adi Doctor when on sermonizing  on the microphone about Nankhatai and Batasas at Udwada  was disregarding the chanting of Boi prayers of Aivisathum Geh. His pearls of wisdom were a source of distraction to put it mildly, for those who wanted to offer their own silent prayer to Atash Padshah. So much for the tall talk of  observing tenets passed on by earlier generations.

  8. Boman Patel

    How those claiming to be Scholars of Zoroastrianism can befool people was seen by me yesterday at Karani Fire Temple which I visited on occasion of its Anniversary. It is a known fact that Mobile Phones  are prohibited because these orthodox claim that they interfere with our prayers. Yet in the said Agiary one  Adi Doctor when on sermonizing  on the microphone about Nankhatai and Batasas at Udwada  was disregarding the chanting of Boi prayers of Aivisathum Geh. His pearls of wisdom were a source of distraction to put it mildly, for those who wanted to offer their own silent prayer to Atash Padshah. So much for the tall talk of  observing tenets passed on by earlier generations.

  9. filboy

    Thank god the parsi religion is preseverved well in western India

  10. filboy

    Thank god the parsi religion is preseverved well in western India

  11. Magin Freek

    A small step for man, a giant step for mankind.

    Religion should not be a barrier between people. I think this clearly is a win of togetherness over ostracizing people. I hope everyone, and I meant everyone( parsi or non parsi) learns from this.

  12. Magin Freek

    Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

  13. Phiroze

    The High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers. The question is why are the numbers still not going up inspite of all the relaxations there?  what will they be left with after all the relaxations of our traditions?.  

  14. Magin Freek

    A small step for man, a giant step for mankind.

    Religion should not be a barrier between people. I think this clearly is a win of togetherness over ostracizing people. I hope everyone, and I meant everyone( parsi or non parsi) learns from this.

  15. Magin Freek

    A small step for man, a giant step for mankind.

    Religion should not be a barrier between people. I think this clearly is a win of togetherness over ostracizing people. I hope everyone, and I meant everyone( parsi or non parsi) learns from this.

  16. Magin Freek

    Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

  17. Magin Freek

    Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

  18. Phiroze

    The High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers. The question is why are the numbers still not going up inspite of all the relaxations there?  what will they be left with after all the relaxations of our traditions?.  

  19. Phiroze

    The High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers. The question is why are the numbers still not going up inspite of all the relaxations there?  what will they be left with after all the relaxations of our traditions?.  

  20. RATHESTAR

    As per Report in JAME Weekly, Dasturji Kotval, our High Priest graced the function.

  21. RATHESTAR

    As per Report in JAME Weekly, Dasturji Kotval, our High Priest graced the function.

  22. RATHESTAR

    As per Report in JAME Weekly, Dasturji Kotval, our High Priest graced the function.

  23. Phiroze

    As I wrote earlier, Dasturji and other Ervads from Bombay refused to be a part of this farce and only took part in the Jashan held inside the Darbemeher !!!!!!!!!!  

  24. R.Kayani

    What is the sourceof  your contention that  the High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers? If they knew that ‘parjaats’ would be present, what induced them to go in the first place.To see the Red Fort or Barakhamba Road?

  25. Phiroze

    As I wrote earlier, Dasturji and other Ervads from Bombay refused to be a part of this farce and only took part in the Jashan held inside the Darbemeher !!!!!!!!!!  

  26. Phiroze

    As I wrote earlier, Dasturji and other Ervads from Bombay refused to be a part of this farce and only took part in the Jashan held inside the Darbemeher !!!!!!!!!!  

  27. Phiroze

    As I wrote earlier, Dasturji and other Ervads from Bombay refused to be a part of this farce and only took part in the Jashan held inside the Darbemeher !!!!!!!!!!  

  28. R.Kayani

    What is the sourceof  your contention that  the High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers? If they knew that ‘parjaats’ would be present, what induced them to go in the first place.To see the Red Fort or Barakhamba Road?

  29. R.Kayani

    What is the sourceof  your contention that  the High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers? If they knew that ‘parjaats’ would be present, what induced them to go in the first place.To see the Red Fort or Barakhamba Road?

  30. R.Kayani

    What is the sourceof  your contention that  the High Priests and other Ervads from Bombay who were present refused to take part in this so called open prayers? If they knew that ‘parjaats’ would be present, what induced them to go in the first place.To see the Red Fort or Barakhamba Road?

  31. RATHESTAR

    Just reply to what R.Kayani has said. Why should somebody consider what you say as FINAL?

  32. RATHESTAR

    Just reply to what R.Kayani has said. Why should somebody consider what you say as FINAL?

  33. RATHESTAR

    Just reply to what R.Kayani has said. Why should somebody consider what you say as FINAL?

  34. RATHESTAR

    Just reply to what R.Kayani has said. Why should somebody consider what you say as FINAL?

  35. Phiroze

    The operating word in your question is A big “IF”. Why should they stop from going to places were parjaats would be present? We respect all religious human beings without playing God and converting parjaats. Why should they not see the Red fort or Barakhamba Road? They should have gone to see the Taj too. Maybe at the next celebrations. 

  36. Phiroze

    Hope you liked my answer to your friend, eh? TRUTH is always FINAL my ghostly friend.

  37. Phiroze

    My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.

  38. Phiroze

    The operating word in your question is A big “IF”. Why should they stop from going to places were parjaats would be present? We respect all religious human beings without playing God and converting parjaats. Why should they not see the Red fort or Barakhamba Road? They should have gone to see the Taj too. Maybe at the next celebrations. 

  39. Phiroze

    The operating word in your question is A big “IF”. Why should they stop from going to places were parjaats would be present? We respect all religious human beings without playing God and converting parjaats. Why should they not see the Red fort or Barakhamba Road? They should have gone to see the Taj too. Maybe at the next celebrations. 

  40. Phiroze

    The operating word in your question is A big “IF”. Why should they stop from going to places were parjaats would be present? We respect all religious human beings without playing God and converting parjaats. Why should they not see the Red fort or Barakhamba Road? They should have gone to see the Taj too. Maybe at the next celebrations. 

  41. Phiroze

    Hope you liked my answer to your friend, eh? TRUTH is always FINAL my ghostly friend.

  42. Phiroze

    Hope you liked my answer to your friend, eh? TRUTH is always FINAL my ghostly friend.

  43. Phiroze

    My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.

  44. Phiroze

    My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.

  45. RATHESTAR.

    You say that you were at dharamshala  and you had to enquire with concerned people. That means you did not attend despite your being there on the said date. This is based on your own remark that you were at dharamshalla from 26th to 31st January.

  46. RATHESTAR.

    You say that you were at dharamshala  and you had to enquire with concerned people. That means you did not attend despite your being there on the said date. This is based on your own remark that you were at dharamshalla from 26th to 31st January.

  47. RATHESTAR.

    You say that you were at dharamshala  and you had to enquire with concerned people. That means you did not attend despite your being there on the said date. This is based on your own remark that you were at dharamshalla from 26th to 31st January.

  48. Rashna.

    Have they appointed you as their spokesperson Mr. Phiroze whatever your full name is.

  49. Phiroze

    Anybody with a basic understanding of English would have understood that I was in Delhi from 26th Jan to 31st Jan when I enquired with the concerned people about Dasturjis participation in the farce. Why are you confused with what I have reported?.

  50. Garothmaan

    But what difference does it make if a Non-Parsi is hearing these prayers? When many parsis themselves do not know what the priests are praying in such times, how can one expect a Non-Parsi to understand the same. Well only one thing can be understood here, that a little orthodoxism was left aside. More over, the Non-Parsis were on the contrary blessed by Ahuramazda on that day.

  51. Magin Freek

    Gloat at the nonsense. That’s all you can do.

  52. Magin Freek

    Gloat at the nonsense. That’s all you can do.

  53. Magin Freek

    Gloat at the nonsense. That’s all you can do.

  54. Magin Freek

    Gloat at the nonsense. That’s all you can do.

  55. Phiroze

    Do you have a problem with the truth Ms. Rashna whatever your full name is?

  56. Phiroze

    Do you have a problem with the truth Ms. Rashna whatever your full name is?

  57. Phiroze

    Do you have a problem with the truth Ms. Rashna whatever your full name is?

  58. Magin Freek

    So what if Parjaats were present? What do you think goes on in there which you’d want to hide from Parjaats?

    What did it do? What will happen if a non parsi enters an agyari? NOTHING. absolutely nothing. I have no idea why you are even discussing this. It doesn’t make a difference. You’ll continue to live the way you were living & so will everybody else.
     
    You know what, lets try this. If Ahura Mazda doesn’t want non parsi people to enter the place, He must really get angry when they actually do. Lets see the wrath of God shall we? And if nothing happens, lets take this as His approval and continue having ur PARJAATS in the agyaris. How about that?
     
    Do you have the capacity to fathom this?

  59. Magin Freek

    So what if Parjaats were present? What do you think goes on in there which you’d want to hide from Parjaats?

    What did it do? What will happen if a non parsi enters an agyari? NOTHING. absolutely nothing. I have no idea why you are even discussing this. It doesn’t make a difference. You’ll continue to live the way you were living & so will everybody else.
     
    You know what, lets try this. If Ahura Mazda doesn’t want non parsi people to enter the place, He must really get angry when they actually do. Lets see the wrath of God shall we? And if nothing happens, lets take this as His approval and continue having ur PARJAATS in the agyaris. How about that?
     
    Do you have the capacity to fathom this?

  60. Magin Freek

    So what if Parjaats were present? What do you think goes on in there which you’d want to hide from Parjaats?

    What did it do? What will happen if a non parsi enters an agyari? NOTHING. absolutely nothing. I have no idea why you are even discussing this. It doesn’t make a difference. You’ll continue to live the way you were living & so will everybody else.
     
    You know what, lets try this. If Ahura Mazda doesn’t want non parsi people to enter the place, He must really get angry when they actually do. Lets see the wrath of God shall we? And if nothing happens, lets take this as His approval and continue having ur PARJAATS in the agyaris. How about that?
     
    Do you have the capacity to fathom this?

  61. Rashna.

    So we have to take it that whatsoever Phiroze says is gospel TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. WHY? BECAUSE PHIROZE  whatever he says is final. If others read what is black and white is to be treated as falsehood.

  62. Rashna.

    So we have to take it that whatsoever Phiroze says is gospel TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. WHY? BECAUSE PHIROZE  whatever he says is final. If others read what is black and white is to be treated as falsehood.

  63. Rashna.

    So we have to take it that whatsoever Phiroze says is gospel TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. WHY? BECAUSE PHIROZE  whatever he says is final. If others read what is black and white is to be treated as falsehood.

  64. Phiroze

    Madam Freek, This farce was conducted in the compund of the Dharamshala and not inside the Darbemeher. The parjats have enough respect for the Parsis to not insist on entering an agyari. It is only the “psuedo” freeloading Parsis who want to create an issue. Stop showing your lack of capacity to fathom what Parsis do and why Ms. freak !!!!!!!
    All i have been doing is exposing the lies about Dasturji’s participation, do you have the capacity to fathom THIS ?????????????  

  65. Phiroze

    Lies will be exposed and thats what all I can and will do. Can you fathom this ?????????

  66. Magin Freek


    Stop showing your lack of capacity to fathom what Parsis do and why Ms. freak !!!!!!!”

    Hahahahahahaha…!!

    A self proclaimed patriarchal society on the decline which is totally entangled in its psudo-male thinking and religious dogmas without questioning the divide.  That is your Parsi society. 

    The rest of the Parsi society just wants to live free. Free of prejudice towards religion or gender. 

    What’s there to fathom? 

    The moment I understand that you think of Dasturji’s participation in all this is a ‘farce’ and banning the, so called, parjaats from the agyaris is the law of the lord, there’s nothing profound left here. 

    If you think everyone who doesn’t share your opinion doesn’t understand what being Parsi is all about, all I have for you is sympathy. You are stuck in the moment and you can’t get out of it. Moment dates back to prehistoric era btw.

  67. Magin Freek

    You can see from his replies that he is not the kind who can indulge in logical arguments.

  68. Magin Freek

    It’d be really interesting if you could come up with something original and worth arguing. Stop repeating what I am saying and please argue with logic as your partner and not fanaticism.

  69. RATHESTAR.

    Why not let Delhi Parsee Anjuman issue a clarification. That version will be an ideal and final clarification instead of relying on  mouths of horses and of  other Animals.

  70. Magin Freek


    Stop showing your lack of capacity to fathom what Parsis do and why Ms. freak !!!!!!!”

    Hahahahahahaha…!!

    A self proclaimed patriarchal society on the decline which is totally entangled in its psudo-male thinking and religious dogmas without questioning the divide.  That is your Parsi society. 

    The rest of the Parsi society just wants to live free. Free of prejudice towards religion or gender. 

    What’s there to fathom? 

    The moment I understand that you think of Dasturji’s participation in all this is a ‘farce’ and banning the, so called, parjaats from the agyaris is the law of the lord, there’s nothing profound left here. 

    If you think everyone who doesn’t share your opinion doesn’t understand what being Parsi is all about, all I have for you is sympathy. You are stuck in the moment and you can’t get out of it. Moment dates back to prehistoric era btw.

  71. Magin Freek


    Stop showing your lack of capacity to fathom what Parsis do and why Ms. freak !!!!!!!”

    Hahahahahahaha…!!

    A self proclaimed patriarchal society on the decline which is totally entangled in its psudo-male thinking and religious dogmas without questioning the divide.  That is your Parsi society. 

    The rest of the Parsi society just wants to live free. Free of prejudice towards religion or gender. 

    What’s there to fathom? 

    The moment I understand that you think of Dasturji’s participation in all this is a ‘farce’ and banning the, so called, parjaats from the agyaris is the law of the lord, there’s nothing profound left here. 

    If you think everyone who doesn’t share your opinion doesn’t understand what being Parsi is all about, all I have for you is sympathy. You are stuck in the moment and you can’t get out of it. Moment dates back to prehistoric era btw.

  72. Magin Freek

    You can see from his replies that he is not the kind who can indulge in logical arguments.

  73. Magin Freek

    You can see from his replies that he is not the kind who can indulge in logical arguments.

  74. Magin Freek

    It’d be really interesting if you could come up with something original and worth arguing. Stop repeating what I am saying and please argue with logic as your partner and not fanaticism.

  75. Magin Freek

    It’d be really interesting if you could come up with something original and worth arguing. Stop repeating what I am saying and please argue with logic as your partner and not fanaticism.

  76. RATHESTAR.

    Why not let Delhi Parsee Anjuman issue a clarification. That version will be an ideal and final clarification instead of relying on  mouths of horses and of  other Animals.

  77. RATHESTAR.

    Why not let Delhi Parsee Anjuman issue a clarification. That version will be an ideal and final clarification instead of relying on  mouths of horses and of  other Animals.

  78. Phiroze

    It seems you, Rashna and Rathestar have a problem with the truth. Anyways my intention is to expose the lies being spread by you all and will do so, you’ll like it or not.

  79. Phiroze

    It seems you, Rashna and Rathestar have a problem with the truth. Anyways my intention is to expose the lies being spread by you all and will do so, you’ll like it or not.

  80. Phiroze

    It seems you, Rashna and Rathestar have a problem with the truth. Anyways my intention is to expose the lies being spread by you all and will do so, you’ll like it or not.

  81. Phiroze

    It seems you, Rashna and Rathestar have a problem with the truth. Anyways my intention is to expose the lies being spread by you all and will do so, you’ll like it or not.

  82. Rashna.

    WHY NOT PROVIDE  FACTS FROM DELHI ANJUMAN SO THAT CONTROVERSY ENDS?

  83. Rashna.

    WHY NOT PROVIDE  FACTS FROM DELHI ANJUMAN SO THAT CONTROVERSY ENDS?

  84. Rashna.

    WHY NOT PROVIDE  FACTS FROM DELHI ANJUMAN SO THAT CONTROVERSY ENDS?

  85. Rashna.

    WHY NOT PROVIDE  FACTS FROM DELHI ANJUMAN SO THAT CONTROVERSY ENDS?

  86. Contradhongi

    Phiroze here says that though he was in New Delhi on 31st January ‘HE ENQUIRED’. That means he was not present personally and what he says is hearsay.Why he did not attend the function though being a ‘staunch’ Parsee is puzzling.

  87. Phiroze

    I HAVE BEEN TO DELHI AND VERIFIED THE FACTS. THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY LEFT. IT HAS MET THE FATE IT DESERVED.

  88. Contradhongi

    Phiroze here says that though he was in New Delhi on 31st January ‘HE ENQUIRED’. That means he was not present personally and what he says is hearsay.Why he did not attend the function though being a ‘staunch’ Parsee is puzzling.

  89. Contradhongi

    Phiroze here says that though he was in New Delhi on 31st January ‘HE ENQUIRED’. That means he was not present personally and what he says is hearsay.Why he did not attend the function though being a ‘staunch’ Parsee is puzzling.

  90. Contradhongi

    Phiroze here says that though he was in New Delhi on 31st January ‘HE ENQUIRED’. That means he was not present personally and what he says is hearsay.Why he did not attend the function though being a ‘staunch’ Parsee is puzzling.

  91. Phiroze

    I HAVE BEEN TO DELHI AND VERIFIED THE FACTS. THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY LEFT. IT HAS MET THE FATE IT DESERVED.

  92. Phiroze

    I HAVE BEEN TO DELHI AND VERIFIED THE FACTS. THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY LEFT. IT HAS MET THE FATE IT DESERVED.

  93. Phiroze

    I HAVE BEEN TO DELHI AND VERIFIED THE FACTS. THERE IS NO CONTROVERSY LEFT. IT HAS MET THE FATE IT DESERVED.

  94. Rashna.

    So you assume the role of prosecutor, jury and the judge and if types like you are called fundamentalist & bigots, you scream. There is no controversy. All Priests from Mumbai attended the Jashan.You, Phiroze stir up an argument, expect your version to be treated as gospel truth and when asked to get version from Delhi Anjuman, 2days back you agree to procure and now develop cold feet and say that you have been to Delhi and verified. It is like any accused saying that he is not guilty and expecting all to rely on his statement.Why should anybody believe your version. Persons here have not mortgaged their minds.

  95. Rashna.

    So you assume the role of prosecutor, jury and the judge and if types like you are called fundamentalist & bigots, you scream. There is no controversy. All Priests from Mumbai attended the Jashan.You, Phiroze stir up an argument, expect your version to be treated as gospel truth and when asked to get version from Delhi Anjuman, 2days back you agree to procure and now develop cold feet and say that you have been to Delhi and verified. It is like any accused saying that he is not guilty and expecting all to rely on his statement.Why should anybody believe your version. Persons here have not mortgaged their minds.

  96. Rashna.

    So you assume the role of prosecutor, jury and the judge and if types like you are called fundamentalist & bigots, you scream. There is no controversy. All Priests from Mumbai attended the Jashan.You, Phiroze stir up an argument, expect your version to be treated as gospel truth and when asked to get version from Delhi Anjuman, 2days back you agree to procure and now develop cold feet and say that you have been to Delhi and verified. It is like any accused saying that he is not guilty and expecting all to rely on his statement.Why should anybody believe your version. Persons here have not mortgaged their minds.

  97. Zerxes.

    Two weeks back your post reads as under “My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.So you have yourself admitted that YOU CLARIFIED WITH CONCERNED PERSONS. BY IMPLICATION YOU WERE NOT INVITED. SO YOUR ‘VERIFICATION” IS YOUR VERBAL CONTENTION AGAINST WHAT APPEARED IN THE PRESS. Obviously greater credence is given to press report than to arguments for the sake of arguments from one Phiroze.

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  98. Phiroze

    Dhongi, I have specified when I was in Delhi and what I did. I have exposed your group’s lies about the  participation of Dasturjis from mumbai in the farce in Delhi which is clearly brought about in the Picture accompaning the article. being a staunch Parsis I would never be a part of such a farce.

  99. Phiroze

    @ zerxes the accompaning photo to the article lays to rest your group’s lies. So much for the credibility of the press. I never said I was there or invited. I can understand your group’s discomfort. @ Rashna, as I said your group’s lies are exposed. Even the Photo of the article shows what I am saying. I can understand your discomfort at your lies and half truths being exposed.

  100. Zerxes.

    Two weeks back your post reads as under “My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.So you have yourself admitted that YOU CLARIFIED WITH CONCERNED PERSONS. BY IMPLICATION YOU WERE NOT INVITED. SO YOUR ‘VERIFICATION” IS YOUR VERBAL CONTENTION AGAINST WHAT APPEARED IN THE PRESS. Obviously greater credence is given to press report than to arguments for the sake of arguments from one Phiroze.

    Like
    Reply

  101. Zerxes.

    Two weeks back your post reads as under “My source is from the horses mouth. I was at the Dharamshala from 26th to the 31st Jan and have clarified with the concerned people there.So you have yourself admitted that YOU CLARIFIED WITH CONCERNED PERSONS. BY IMPLICATION YOU WERE NOT INVITED. SO YOUR ‘VERIFICATION” IS YOUR VERBAL CONTENTION AGAINST WHAT APPEARED IN THE PRESS. Obviously greater credence is given to press report than to arguments for the sake of arguments from one Phiroze.

    Like
    Reply

  102. Phiroze

    Dhongi, I have specified when I was in Delhi and what I did. I have exposed your group’s lies about the  participation of Dasturjis from mumbai in the farce in Delhi which is clearly brought about in the Picture accompaning the article. being a staunch Parsis I would never be a part of such a farce.

  103. Phiroze

    Dhongi, I have specified when I was in Delhi and what I did. I have exposed your group’s lies about the  participation of Dasturjis from mumbai in the farce in Delhi which is clearly brought about in the Picture accompaning the article. being a staunch Parsis I would never be a part of such a farce.

  104. Phiroze

    @ zerxes the accompaning photo to the article lays to rest your group’s lies. So much for the credibility of the press. I never said I was there or invited. I can understand your group’s discomfort. @ Rashna, as I said your group’s lies are exposed. Even the Photo of the article shows what I am saying. I can understand your discomfort at your lies and half truths being exposed.

  105. Phiroze

    @ zerxes the accompaning photo to the article lays to rest your group’s lies. So much for the credibility of the press. I never said I was there or invited. I can understand your group’s discomfort. @ Rashna, as I said your group’s lies are exposed. Even the Photo of the article shows what I am saying. I can understand your discomfort at your lies and half truths being exposed.

  106. Contradhongi

    Here is one Phiroze., greatest ‘ divine gift’ to Parsees. Believe whatever he says or you will be excommunicated.

    @687bf9f8fdfc290f3a6016a27b5067ec:disqus , there are several photos of this function  including Priests (High) posing with politicos.If as you say,you did not participate in the ‘farce’ obviously High Priests did enjoy five minutes of fame with politicians.If Orthodox have supporters like you, they will never ever need opponents.
    If you are right then get a clarification from Delhi Anjuman as suggested by someone and vindicate your ‘truth’. Why are you hesitant?You have so far exposed nothing but only helped others expose you.

  107. Contradhongi

    Here is one Phiroze., greatest ‘ divine gift’ to Parsees. Believe whatever he says or you will be excommunicated.

    @687bf9f8fdfc290f3a6016a27b5067ec:disqus , there are several photos of this function  including Priests (High) posing with politicos.If as you say,you did not participate in the ‘farce’ obviously High Priests did enjoy five minutes of fame with politicians.If Orthodox have supporters like you, they will never ever need opponents.
    If you are right then get a clarification from Delhi Anjuman as suggested by someone and vindicate your ‘truth’. Why are you hesitant?You have so far exposed nothing but only helped others expose you.

  108. Contradhongi

    Here is one Phiroze., greatest ‘ divine gift’ to Parsees. Believe whatever he says or you will be excommunicated.

    @687bf9f8fdfc290f3a6016a27b5067ec:disqus , there are several photos of this function  including Priests (High) posing with politicos.If as you say,you did not participate in the ‘farce’ obviously High Priests did enjoy five minutes of fame with politicians.If Orthodox have supporters like you, they will never ever need opponents.
    If you are right then get a clarification from Delhi Anjuman as suggested by someone and vindicate your ‘truth’. Why are you hesitant?You have so far exposed nothing but only helped others expose you.

  109. Barak Aga

    The icing on the cake is that Miss Ava Khullar who is married to a Hindu is not only visiting the Fire Temple in New Delhi, but is also a Trustee of the Fire Temple.
    New Delhi has shown the way.

  110. Barak Aga

    The icing on the cake is that Miss Ava Khullar who is married to a Hindu is not only visiting the Fire Temple in New Delhi, but is also a Trustee of the Fire Temple.
    New Delhi has shown the way.

  111. Barak Aga

    The icing on the cake is that Miss Ava Khullar who is married to a Hindu is not only visiting the Fire Temple in New Delhi, but is also a Trustee of the Fire Temple.
    New Delhi has shown the way.

  112. Phiroze

    Dhongi, what has posing for pictures got to do with participating in the farce. The orthodox have enough dhongi friends/supporters like you who are their biggest opponents. Why would I need a clarification from anyone having clarified with those concerned myself? Sorry to have put a spoke in your wheel !!!

  113. Phiroze

    Dhongi, what has posing for pictures got to do with participating in the farce. The orthodox have enough dhongi friends/supporters like you who are their biggest opponents. Why would I need a clarification from anyone having clarified with those concerned myself? Sorry to have put a spoke in your wheel !!!

  114. Phiroze

    Dhongi, what has posing for pictures got to do with participating in the farce. The orthodox have enough dhongi friends/supporters like you who are their biggest opponents. Why would I need a clarification from anyone having clarified with those concerned myself? Sorry to have put a spoke in your wheel !!!

  115. Contradhongi

    What our friend Phiroze is attempting to state that certain priests from Mumbai were ostracised.

  116. Contradhongi

    What our friend Phiroze is attempting to state that certain priests from Mumbai were ostracised.

  117. Contradhongi

    What our friend Phiroze is attempting to state that certain priests from Mumbai were ostracised.

  118. Phiroze

    The way to nowhere as far as Parsis are concerned. The numbers are down and out.

  119. Phiroze

    The way to nowhere as far as Parsis are concerned. The numbers are down and out.

  120. Phiroze

    The way to nowhere as far as Parsis are concerned. The numbers are down and out.

  121. Phiroze

    If so it is better to be ostracised then to take part in a farce.

  122. Phiroze

    If so it is better to be ostracised then to take part in a farce.

  123. Phiroze

    If so it is better to be ostracised then to take part in a farce.

  124. Rathestar.

    Why did u spend money on travel to attend a ‘farce’? 

  125. Rathestar.

    Why did u spend money on travel to attend a ‘farce’? 

  126. Rathestar.

    Why did u spend money on travel to attend a ‘farce’?