New Parsi Dharamshala at Ahmedabad: Heritage Reborn

We are delighted to announce the reopening of the Lady Bachubai Navroji Vakil Ahmedabad Parsi Dharamshala, a cherished landmark that blends timeless heritage with contemporary comfort.

After a period of thoughtful renovation, our dharamshala has been lovingly restored to preserve its historic essence while providing modern amenities that ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.

Experience the Elegance of Heritage

From intricately carved woodwork to traditional architectural charm, every corner of the dharamshala echoes with stories of the past. Our goal was to create a space that honors its legacy while inviting guests to feel truly at home.

Discover Hidden Gems Within Our Premises

A Spiritual Oasis Nestled within our premises is a sacred well, revered by generations of the Parsi community in Ahmedabad. It stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and continuity.

The Gift of Mother Earth Our dharamshala is graced by a traditional underground water tank (ટાંકુ) that naturally collects fresh, cool spring water. This natural feature not only connects us to our roots but also brings a refreshing touch to your stay.

A Culinary Delight Hospitality is at the heart of our dharamshala, and this extends to the dining experience. Our manager, Rayomand Karanjia, is not just a wonderful host but also a skilled baker and an exceptional chef who will ensure every meal is a delight to your senses.

Be Our Guest

Whether you're visiting Ahmedabad for spiritual reasons, cultural exploration, or a peaceful retreat, the Lady Bachubai Navroji Vakil Dharamshala offers a unique and memorable experience steeped in tradition and comfort.

For Bookings and Inquiries: Contact: Rayomand Karanjia Phone: +91 99136 09944

Come, step into a living legacy and make yourself at home

Preserving Sacred Traditions: The Parsi Trust’s Initiative to Bury Holy Fire Ashes

Religious traditions and practices have evolved over centuries, shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of communities worldwide. Among these, the Parsi-Zoroastrian community holds deep reverence for their sacred fire, which burns perpetually in their temples as an embodiment of divine energy. However, recent civic regulations have led to the prohibition of disposing of sacred ashes in the sea, prompting the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) to introduce an alternative method—creating special burial pits for these ashes. This initiative marks a significant step in preserving religious customs while adhering to modern environmental regulations.

The Sacred Fire in Zoroastrian Worship

Fire is central to Zoroastrian religious practice. Considered a purifying and divine force, the sacred fire is maintained within temples, where it is kept burning continuously through elaborate rituals. The primary fuel for these fires includes sandalwood and baval wood sticks, typically used in a ratio of 1:10. These materials help sustain the fire while maintaining its sanctity.

The fire temples, or Atash Behrams and Agiyaris, serve as places of worship where the consecrated flames symbolize divine presence. Worshippers offer prayers in front of the fire, reinforcing their spiritual connection to Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism.

The Ban on Sea Disposal and Its Impact

Traditionally, large fire temples with extensive compounds would bury the ashes, known as rakhia, within their gardens or scatter them under sacred trees. However, many smaller temples, particularly those without large land holdings, faced challenges in managing these ashes. For years, these temples collected the sacred ash and periodically transported it to the sea for disposal.

However, with growing environmental concerns and civic regulations, authorities have now banned the immersion of these ashes into the sea. This decision, while aimed at protecting marine ecosystems, created a dilemma for the Parsi community. Temples that relied on this method were left without a proper means to dispose of the ashes, raising concerns over maintaining religious customs without violating civic laws.

BPP’s Initiative: Special Pits for Ash Burial

In response to this challenge, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), a prominent community trust, has stepped forward with a solution. They have established special pits outside Doongerwadi, the Tower of Silence cemetery in Mumbai, to serve as a designated burial site for these ashes.

Viraf Mehta, chairman of BPP, highlighted that the initiative was developed to ensure that every fire temple has an appropriate place to dispose of the ashes in a respectful manner. The idea for these burial pits was originally suggested by trustee Mahrukh Noble, reflecting the collective effort of the community in preserving their traditions while adapting to modern restrictions.

Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute, an institution founded in 1919 to provide religious and secular education to the children of Parsi priests, emphasized the importance of this solution. He noted that while larger temples always had a way to manage the ashes within their own premises, smaller temples lacked such provisions. The newly created burial pits offer a viable and respectful alternative to sea disposal, ensuring that the sacred ashes are handled appropriately.

Balancing Tradition with Modern Regulations

The decision to introduce burial pits highlights the Parsi community’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances while safeguarding their religious customs. This initiative reflects a broader trend where religious institutions worldwide are increasingly modifying traditional practices to align with environmental sustainability and civic regulations.

By implementing a structured and ethical method for handling sacred ashes, the BPP has demonstrated a commitment to both faith and environmental responsibility. The burial pits not only respect the religious sanctity of the ashes but also prevent ecological harm that could arise from disposal in the sea.

Conclusion

The Parsi community has always been deeply rooted in its traditions, with sacred fire worship being one of the cornerstones of its faith. However, evolving civic regulations and environmental concerns necessitate adjustments in certain religious practices. The creation of special burial pits for holy fire ashes is a testament to the community’s resilience and adaptability.

By taking proactive steps to ensure compliance with modern regulations while maintaining their spiritual integrity, the Parsi-Zoroastrian community sets an example of how religious traditions can coexist with contemporary environmental concerns. This initiative not only preserves the sanctity of their sacred fire but also upholds their age-old reverence for nature—an intrinsic value in Zoroastrian teachings.

This development serves as an inspiring model for religious communities worldwide, demonstrating that with thoughtful planning and community effort, ancient traditions can be safeguarded in a sustainable and respectful manner.

Firdause Wadia: Balancing Passion and Profession with Grace

In the words of Firdause Wadia, "It’s possible to pursue both passion and profession." This sentiment reflects his inspiring journey as a successful media professional at Sony TV and a dedicated conductor of the renowned Paranjoti Choir. Through his dual roles, Firdause seamlessly blends corporate leadership with a profound love for music, fostering a sense of unity and deep emotion among his choristers.

Childhood and Early Dreams

Firdause describes himself as an easy-going, affable individual who wears his heart on his sleeve. Growing up, he cherished weekends with family and cousins, nurturing a wide array of dreams. He aspired to be an actor, singer, and even a doctor. While he eventually pursued engineering and an MBA, his love for music remained a constant in his life.

Corporate Life at Sony TV

As a media professional at Sony TV, Firdause's role involves curating movies to keep viewers engaged and ensure the channel's leadership. While he enjoys the excitement of previewing new films, he admits that the long commute of 1.5 hours each way is one aspect of the job he doesn’t relish. Despite the challenges, his work in the entertainment industry complements his artistic pursuits.

A Lifelong Journey with Music

Firdause’s initiation into music began at the tender age of four, thanks to his mother, Dr. Khursheed Wadia, and his first music teacher, Meher Madon Jansen. Growing up, he mastered various instruments, including the piano, violin, recorder, and xylophone. These early lessons laid the foundation for his enduring passion for music.

His entry into the Paranjoti Choir came through a performance in a French opera based on the Sri Lankan story The Pearl Fishers. This marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the choir, which he now leads as a conductor.

The Paranjoti Choir: A Legacy to Uphold

The Paranjoti Choir, renowned for its motto, “International Harmony through International Music,” has a vast repertoire ranging from 16th-century works to contemporary compositions. The choir also performs spiritual and folk songs in various languages. For Firdause, being part of the choir is a deeply rewarding experience that requires commitment and love for music.

In December 2023, Firdause debuted as a conductor for the choir’s annual Christmas concert season, a role he humbly describes as an honor and a responsibility to carry forward the choir's legacy.

Recent Milestones and Achievements

Under Firdause’s leadership, the Paranjoti Choir has accomplished remarkable feats, including:

• Five concerts across churches during the Christmas season.

• Performances at prestigious events such as the Festival of Festive Music (FOFM) 2023, Monte Festival, and the Rededication of the Afghan Church.

• Collaboration on Aum Sweet Aum, a groundbreaking spiritual album launched by Shankar Mahadevan and featuring legendary artists like Padmashri Anup Jalota, Aashish Rego, and Grammy-winning vocalist Darlene Koldenhoven.

These milestones highlight the choir’s dedication to fostering cultural harmony and musical excellence.

Balancing Passion and Profession

Firdause credits his parents as his biggest inspirations. His mother, Dr. Khursheed Wadia, a professor of clinical chemistry, has instilled in him values of hard work and resilience. His father, Khodus Wadia, a self-made voice-over artist, motivates him to excel and pursue his passion for music alongside his professional commitments.

Cherished Moments and Parsipanu

For Firdause, his most fulfilling moment was taking his mother on her first international trip to Dubai in 2015. He cherishes his Parsi heritage, especially the love for good food. He fondly recalls his grandfather’s saying, “Khao, Piyo ne Mauj Karo!” and admits to savoring traditional delicacies like patra ni macchi and sali boti.

Conclusion

Firdause Wadia is a testament to the idea that one can pursue both passion and profession with equal dedication. Whether leading a corporate team or conducting the Paranjoti Choir, his ability to harmonize his roles inspires those around him. Through his journey, Firdause not only showcases the power of determination and love for art but also sets an example of how one can balance multiple facets of life while leaving an indelible mark on both.

Let his story remind us all that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible! ​