29th Year of Muktad Celebration in Southern California

Date

September 3, 2020

Post by

arZan

Category

Religion

Our dear friend Ervad Zarrir Bhandara of Southern California writes in…

I sincerely thank you all for your participation in the solemn Muktad ceremony thus making our efforts more worthwhile, and for giving me the opportunity to advance spiritually by satisfying your spiritual needs for the 29th Muktad ceremony in  Southern California, and the fourth at our ZAC Atashkadeh. The previous 25 years the Muktad ceremonies were conducted at our home (Bhandara residence), it was also my 48th year in a row of doing the Muktad prayers.

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During these holy days of Muktad we performed the following prayers:

41 satums, 4 satums/day for 10 days plus a farewell Satum on the night of the 5th Gatha

16 Jashans/ Afringans, 1 afargan on Ashishwangh roj, 1 Jashan/Afringan per day for 10 days. The Hamaspathmaedhem Gahambar Jashan in the morning on the 4th Gatha. A New Years Jashan on Navroze morning. The Rapithwin Jashan on Ardibehest roj and the Khordadsal Jashan.

10 Farokhsis 1 Farokshi/day for 10 days.

This year again Zerkxis performed 22 Baaj ceremonies (Baaj is one of the inner liturgies, a Pav Mehel Kriya within the family of the Yajashne, Vendidad, and Nirangdin). We are the only community outside India to have this ceremony performed regularly.

The Bui was offered to our Atash Padshah 5 times a day.

I am sure you must be wondering how many names of our dear departed loved ones we were remembering in the prayers, any guess? Well, they were about 550 names, with 45 vases plus the Hama Anjuman vase.

Below are some congratulatory messages sent to Ervad Zarrir and Ervad Zerkxis

Dear Zarrir & Zerkxis ,

We are thankful to both of you and ZAC .

Your prayers take us on a spiritual journey during these Muktad days and connect us with our loved ones .

Your unconditional dedication for the community is truly creditable .

We are truly fortunate and blessed.

God Bless !

Tandorasti & Ushta Te

– Nawaz Mody, California

And another one……

Dear Zarrir & Zerkxis:

“These are the best of times, these are the worst of times.”

This year has tested us in unimaginable ways.  As faraway peaks come closer into view and our destinations are within reach, we discover the power of a community coming together and ascending to even greater heights.  While some paths may present us with winding trails, tricky terrain, and seemingly impossible heights, these challenges force us to confront our greatest differences and rely on our collective strength so we don’t have to walk the path alone.

Thank you to the pair of you for your help and assistance during these “new normal” times. The great lesson of this huge cultural lesion is that we have no idea of what a “new normal” actually means. Each passing day offers surprises, new thoughts and fleeting revelations.  Moreover, in spite of all that is happening around us, your stewardship has helped define our ability to endure and overcome obstacles in order to forge a path to a better future.

During these unpredictable times, you have stoically shepherded our Zoroastrian community to use every lesson we have learned to create an impact through courage, integrity, empathy and initiative.  All of us are looked upon as a person of infinite dignity. Everything you do and every decision you make is motivated by your deep love and respect for everyone in our community and our desire that each of us feels authentic, belonging to our community.

Both of you are brilliant leaders of faith, character, courage and creativity, and uniquely equipped to bring hope and light to our community in need. This is a high and honorable calling, and I am grateful to each of you as you guide us with your unwavering excellence.

Be well; Be happy; stay healthy; stay safe……….

With deep and sincere gratitude,

– Murzy Kerawalla, California