Six years after the Zoroastrian Association of Califonia Center was opened, the dream of having a prayer hall was finally turned into reality. A unique building in many ways was completed and a long-awaited celebration was about to begin.
At 9:00 am on a beautiful sunny morning on Sunday, November 13, 2016, Roj Mahrespand, Mah Khordad, the beautiful edifice was opened for the use of the community and their guests. The building was sanctified for 48 hours by prayers offered by Mobeds Zarrir and Zerkxis Bhandara.
The morning of the 13th witnessed the beautiful Atash Kadeh decorated inside and out with festive torans and balloons with community members dressed in their finery of daglis and garas/saris awaiting the ribbon cutting ceremony. To the sounds of a joyous rendition of “Chhaiye Hame Zarathosti” the ribbon was ceremoniously cut by 2 couples together – Arda-e-Viraf and Hootoxi Minocherhomjee and Sohrab and Sharon Charna. The very first Boi ceremony was then performed by Mobed Zarrir Bhandara, followed by a Hama Anjuman Machhi and a Jashan of 6 kardas was performed by 12 Ervads of the community. Since the hall could only accommodate about 100 guests, arrangements were specially made to stream the entire proceedings live in the main Arjani Hall of the center where the overflow were seated. After the jashan people made their individual offering of sandalwood and lit tea lights followed by chasni and refreshments.
The Felicitation ceremony took place in the Arjani Hall. Perinne Medora Vice President of ZAC welcomed the audience of 250 present in the Hall and emceed the proceedings. The event started with beautiful songs cutely sung by 13 Zarathosti tiny tots directed by Houtoxi Contractor which got a standing ovation from all present.
President of FEZANA Mr. Homi D. Gandhi who now resides in California addressed the congregation and congratulated ZAC on this great achievement. He mentioned that Fezana encourages all Zoroastrian Associations worldwide to have a prayer Hall constructed for the use of their members and to keep the flame of our noble religion alive and well.
Mobed Zarrir Bhandara read out a congratulatory message received from Dasturjee Dr. Firoze Kotwal and talked about the importance of fire and prayers in the lives of Zarthushtis everywhere.
President of ZAC-LA, Tehmi Damania then felicitated each and everyone involved in the creation of the Atash Kadeh and they included the Architect Sohrab Charna, Feridoun Ghostasbi, a Zarathosti Builder (NIPA Construction) and various other individuals like Firdosh Mehta who was responsible in getting the Aalat of the Jalna Agiary, India and Kobad Zarolia, Ex-President of the NAMC who guided ZAC on what a true Atash Kadeh should have. Major donors like Arda and Hootoxi Minocherhomjee and key persons involved like Tehemtan Arjani were also mentioned and acknowledged.
The celebrations were followed by a delicious parsi lunch of Dhan Dar, Kolimi-no patio, Sali murghi and lagan-nu-custard all prepared by community volunteers and cooked by Bomi Patel (ex FEZANA President) in the new role of Master chef. Thank you Bomi and Binu for being such a great help and making this possible for us.
At the end of the day every member of ZAC had one single thought … Our Atash Kadeh is finally complete and how proud we are of our community’s achievement.
