FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations F E Z A N A – F e d e r a t i o n o f N o r t h A m e r i c a n Z o r o a s t r i a n A s s o c i a t i o n s F E Z A N A – F e d e r a t i o n o f N o r t h A m e r i c a n Z o r o a s t r i a n A s s o c i a t i o n s 1 http:// http:// www.fezana.org www.fezana.org http:// http:// www.fezana.org www.fezana.org Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America Incorporated in the State of Illinois 1986 Serving the Zarathushti Community in U S A & CANADA
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F
EZ
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A –
Fe
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on
of
No
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Am
eri
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n Z
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of
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of N
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http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org
http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org
Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America
Incorporated in the State of Illinois
1986
Serving the Zarathushti Community
in U S A & CANADA
F
EZ
AN
A –
Fe
de
rati
on
of
No
rth
Am
eri
ca
n Z
oro
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tria
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ss
oc
iati
on
sF
EZ
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A –
Fe
de
rati
on
of
No
rth
Am
eri
ca
n Z
oro
as
tria
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oc
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s F
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Fe
de
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f No
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n Z
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– F
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of N
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What is FEZANA?
FEZANA is an umbrella body created to represent incorporated Zarathushti Member Associations throughout the United States and Canada.
FEZANA works for the social and religious well being
of its Member Associations and individual Zarathushtis in North America.
FEZANA publishes a quarterly publication, namely, the FEZANA Journal. The FEZANA Journal is circulated throughout North America and the Zarathushti World.
FEZANA is an accredited observing Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the United Nations.
F
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n Z
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tria
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sF
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on
of
No
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Am
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n Z
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tria
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oc
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s F
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– F
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of N
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What is FEZANA’s Mission?
• To preserve the religion of the Prophet Ashu Zarathushtra.
• To be a strong Federation committed to putting the Zarathushti community firmly and clearly on the North American map, and ensuring the survival, unity, progress and prosperity of the Zoroastrian community on this continent, thereby preserving its religious and cultural identity.
• To facilitate the efforts of its Member Associations, and through them their individual members, in the cultivation of a model Zarathushti environment in their homes and communities, where Zarathushti values are promoted and nurtured, and where the teachings of Zarathushtra are imparted, lived and practiced every day.
• To work closely in cooperation with Zarathushti communities abroad, in deliberation for a common goal of a united world Zarathushti community.
• To provide effective leadership in addressing the critical issues of our times with wisdom and righteousness.
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How is FEZANA Organized?
24 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FEZANA
(Decision Making Body)
FEZANA EXECUTIVE
Five Elected Officers
NineStanding Committees
TwelveAd Hoc Committees
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MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
CANADAALBERTA Zoroastrian Association of AlbertaBRITISH COLUMBIA
Zoroastrian Society of British ColumbiaONTARIO
Zoroastrian Society of Ontario Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation
QUEBEC Zoroastrian Association of Quebec
F
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Member Associations
CALIFORNIA Persian Zoroastrian
Organization Zarthosti Anjuman of
Northern California California Zoroastrian Center,
Los Angeles Traditional Mazdayasni
Zoroastrian Anjuman Zoroastrian Association of
California, Los Angeles
COLORADO Zoroastrian Association of
Rocky Mountain
FLORIDA Zoroastrian Association of
Florida, Miami
GEORGIA Atlanta Zarathushti
Association
ILLINOIS Zoroastrian Association of
Metropolitan Chicago
KANSAS Zoroastrian Association of
Kansas
MASSACHUSETTS Zoroastrian Association of
Greater Boston
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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Member Associations
NEW YORK Iranian Zoroastrian Association, New York Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York
PENNSYLVANIA Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania
PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, NEW JERSEY Zoroastrian Association of Pennsylvania & New Jersey
TEXAS Zoroastrian Association of
Houston Zoroastrian Association of
Northern Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C, MARYLAND, NORTH VIRGINIA
Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Washington
WASHINGTON Zoroastrian Association of
Washington State
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
F
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Corresponding Members & Small Groups
CALIFORNIA San Diego Zoroastrian CommunityFLORIDA Zoroastrian Anjuman of Tampa Bay Central Florida Community, OrlandoKENTUCKY/OHIO/INDIANA Zoroastrian Community of Kentucky-Ohio-IndianaLOUISIANA Zoroastrian Community of New OrleansMANITOBA Zoroastrian Community of ManitobaMICHIGAN Zarathushtis of Michigan
MINNESOTA Minnesota Zoroastrian CommunityMISSOURI St. Louis Zoroastrian CommunityNEBRASKA Nebraska Zoroastrian Interest GroupNOVA SCOTIA Zoroastrian Association of Atlantic CanadaOHIOCleveland Zoroastrian Community Cincinnati Zoroastrian CommunityTEXAS Zoroastrian Center of Austin
F
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FEZANA – Committees (2004-2005)
Standing Committees• Planning and Coordinating • Unity and Welfare• Information Receiving and
Dissemination• Funds and Finance• Census and Survey• Youth (ZYNA)• Education, Conference &
Scholarship• North American Zoroastrian
Congress• Small Groups of North
American Zarathushtis• Zoroastrian Sports (ZSC)
Ad- Hoc Committees
• Heritage Preservation & Historical Research
• External Affairs Public Relations
• Canadian Chapter
• Constitution --- Articles of Inc/By-Laws Separation
• North American Awards
• Awards Committee
• N A Congress T o R Review Committee for Future Congresses (Beyond 2004)
Coordinating FEZANA events by preparing an event calendar for activities within North America and worldwide over next five years
Organizing events with associations and/or committees to facilitate communication of respective activities
Issue updated CALENDAR of EVENTS
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UNITY AND WELFARE
To provide financial assistance to Zarathushti individuals/families
To provide support to Zarathushti individuals and/or families with help of community resources
“Critical Assistance Program” designed to provide assistance to individuals, families, and organizations facing temporary difficulties due to medical emergencies, natural disasters, violence or legal issue
Confidential, toll free phone number has been established in North America, for providing information on support agencies in various states.
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INFORMATION RECEIVING AND DISSEMINATION
FEZANA Journal, a communication for North American occurrences tied together with Zoroastrian news world wide; subscription fee and paid advertisements in Journal to increase revenue
Publishing religious books (Basic Text,Legacy etc.) Distribution and sale of religious books to
increase revenueDeveloping to enhance the FEZANA websiteTo print new improved FEZANA brochures
that include history, culture and traditions of Zarathushtis
F
EZ
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FUNDS AND FINANCE
“1000 points of light” program to increase FEZANA funds
To enhance program to “100,000 points of light”
Continuous effort to make FEZANA financially secure in North America
Promote the various FEZANA funds and solicit support for endowments and bequeaths
F
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CENSUS AND SURVEY
To conduct a series of survey analysis to study the changes in the Zarathushti population
To conduct a proper census in North America
Zarathushti directory available on
Website and CD
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ZOROASTRIAN YOUTH (ZYNA)
Young adult involvement in FEZANA activities important for future growth of the community
Organizing North American Congresses every two and a half years to have youth and young adults discuss issues and have social interaction
Planning events (e.g ski trips, cruises, hikes) to facilitate interaction within the young generation
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EDUCATION, CONFERENCE AND SCHOLARSHIP
Moobed Faridoon Zardoshty Religion Education Scholarship awarded annually for eligible Zarathushtis to pursue higher education in Zarathushti religion at an accredited institution anywhere in the world
Organize conference for teachers to share, discuss, and promote religious education
Future plans to establish an Institute of Higher Learning to provide a research facility for students interested in pursuing advanced Zarathushti religious education in North America
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ACADEMIC EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
FEZANA post-secondary scholarships are given out every year to individuals across the continent from various disciplines
A total amount of $10,000 per year was set aside for past 2 years of which $1000 is given as scholarship to 10 different individuals
In addition, each year a scholarship of $5000, Mehraban and Morvorid Kheradi Endowment Fund Scholarship for merit (plus involvement in community service) is awarded annually to one individual
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NORTH AMERICAN ZOROASTRIAN CONGRESS
Sponsor a Zarathushti Congress with host Member in North America every two and a half years
Assist in organizing the event with the host Member
Review the Terms of Reference (ToR) undertaken by an Ad hoc committee
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SMALL GROUPS OF NORTH AMERICA
Liaise with small group representatives appointed in each area with FEZANA
Establish relationship with FEZANA by encouraging participation at AGM, Congress, and Conferences
Work upon incentives for small groups
Increase their awareness to become
CORRESPONDING Members and support them to become FULL members of FEZANA
F
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Fe
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ZOROASTRIAN SPORTS (ZSC)
Organize Zarathushti games around North America; 9th Zarathushti games were held in Vancouver, B.C in 2004
Organize Unity Soccer games; 3rd game was held in Terrance, CA in 2003
Venue for uniting Zarathushti youth through their love for sports
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FEZANA
AD HOC COMMITTEES
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Ad Hoc Committees
Heritage Preservation & Historical ResearchExternal AffairsPublic RelationsCanadian ChapterConstitutionNorth American Awards
Financial Investment Advisory
UN/NGO
Creative & Performing Arts
Strategic Planning
F
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de
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HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND HISTORICAL RESEARCH
To help in restoration of Zarathushti religious sites around the world (e.g Atash Behrams, Agiaries )
To help preserve historical books and documents that speak of Zarathushti religion and heritage
To financially assist authors who are interested in publishing books about Zarathushti culture and heritage, such as “The Parsi Cultural Identity”, “ Zarathushti Obsequies”
F
EZ
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s F
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EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Interfaith & Multicultural programsParliament of World ReligionsNational Council for Community and
Justice (NCCJ)North American Interfaith Network
(NAIN)Harvard Pluralism projectWorld Zarathushti Chamber of
Commerce
F
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
To establish internal and external communication structures to enhance the image of FEZANA
To increase awareness of Zarathushti religion and culture throughout the community in North America
To develop press kits for media to publicize Zarathushti events
To provide Websites of Member Associations with FEZANA information
F
EZ
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CANADIAN CHAPTER
Establish a chapter as a “non-profit religious charity” in Canada to facilitate fund-raising with Canadian donors
F
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CONSTITUTION
Understand the need to explore the possibility to separate existing FEZANA constitution into Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
Recommend solution after discussing with members
Issue ballot for the resolution and announce results to the Members
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NORTH AMERICAN AWARDS
FEZANA Recognition awards are given at each North American Congress at a Luncheon hosted by FEZANA
Categories of AwardsRohinton Rivetna Outstanding Zarathushti award
Excellence in Business or Profession award
Jamshed Pavri Humanitarian Service award
Excellence in Performing Arts, Painting or
Literature award
Outstanding Young Zarathushti award
Outstanding Young Zarathushti Student award
Special LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD- every 6 years
F
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FINANCIAL INVESTMENT ADVISORY GROUP
A group of three Zarathushti individuals appointed by the President to assist FEZANA Treasurer in accordance with investment guidelines developed for FEZANA
Responsibilities to include information for the management of FEZANA funds and endowments to maximize gains without risking principal.
F
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UN / NGO
To engage in activities that help FEZANA retain its NGO status
Actively participates in UN events involving volunteers from the community, especially encouraging young adults
Collaborate with other groups that are engaged in humanitarian work around the world
(Gram Seva trust is one such group)
F
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CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship fund is earmarked for North American Zarathushti individuals seeking advanced training in creative and performing arts
$10,000 in funds allocated to be awarded for the same, in the future.
A $ 5,000 fund is set up for the support for promoting excellence in SPORTS.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic plan developed for 1997-2007.
Committee to review relevance of plan, revise if necessary and to move forward on action items.
Work in tandem with the FEZANA executive to modify the infrastructure necessary to speed progress
F
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ACHIEVEMENTS
FEZANA has participated in many activities, such asFEZANA has participated in many activities, such as
Book PublicationsStudy of Dari language Project was partly
funded by FEZANACelebration of 3000th Anniversary of
Zarathushti culture, a UNESCO event Taking a lead role in World Body
discussion with other leaders of the world, seeking a global alliance
NA Directory project; an electronic version available for distribution NA Census
F
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ACHIEVEMENTS
FEZANA has provided support to ZTFE for the restoration of Historical manuscripts at Meherji Rana Library, Navsari; & The
World Zarathushti Cultural Fndn; India.FEZANA participating in humanitarian work,
raising funds to help those affected by earthquakes in Gujarat, India & Bam, Iran,
Pakistan, the SEA Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina & Rita.
FEZANA Journal that continues to inform the North American & world community
FEZANA critical assistance HOTLINE www.Fezana.org
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Contact FEZANA
For further information about FEZANA, visit,
www.fezana.org
FEZANA needs you
Volunteer your time and talent for the community via FEZANA
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Zarathushti Doctrine
Ahura Mazda
Lord of Wisdom
Religion
A Way of Life
How do we live this life?
Good Thoughts, Good Words
and Good Deeds
What is the basis for determining “Good”?
The Amesha Spentas.
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The Seven Amesha Spentas
The qualities of the Amesha Spentas exemplify:
Wisdom, Spenta Mainyu, the Good Mind, Vohu Manah, Truth, Asha Vahishta, Power, Khashtra Vairya, Devotion, Spenta Armaiti, Completeness, and Haurvatat, and Immortality. Ameretat.
These seven Amesha Spentas contribute to every, single facet of a Zoroastrian’s life thereby guiding his/her thoughts, word and action.
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The Zarathushti People
Zoroastrianism: Religion of the people of the Iranian plateau from 6th Century BCE to 7th Century CE.
Past Luminary: Cyrus the Great … introduced the first Charter of Rights in History, and freed the Jewish people from captivity in Babylon.
Present Luminary: Zubin Mehta the music conductor.Arab conquest of Persia: Many Zarathushtis were massacred, many were forced to
convert to Islam, and some escaped to safe havens in Iran and some fled to other countries, ranging from China and India in the East to Central Europe in the West. This migration constituted the first diaspora.
Outcome of the first disapora: Of all the descendents of Zarathushtis, two small pockets managed to survive. One remaining in central parts of present day Iran, and the other were the Zarathushti migrants to the West coast of India, known as Parsees.
Current situation: Today fewer than 250,000 are scattered around the globe. The majority still live in India and Iran, however, Zarathushtis can be found as far a field as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Pakistan, UEA, a few East Africans countries, and South Africa, U.K. and many of the European countries as well as Canada & the United States.
North America: A number of Zarathushti professionals immigrated from India and Pakistan to North America for higher education and stayed. A number of Zarathushtis from Iran emigrated to North America after the Iranian revolution. It is estimated that there are around 20,000 Zarathushtis.
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Zarathushti Language and TextsZarathushti scriptures are to be found in two main Iranian languages,
Avestan and Pahlavi.
Avestan is the language of Zarathushtra’s revelations which were passed down orally, for nearly 2,000 years before the Avestan alphabet was invented by an unknown genius, and then transmitted through the written form during the 5th century ACE.
Zarathushti prayers like the Yasna (which includes the Gathas), Yashts, Nyaishes, Visperad and Vendidad are in the original Avestan language which, is the language used for liturgical purposes.
Pahlavi, is a Middle Persian language, which developed from the Old Persian language. Old Persian was immortalized by the Achaemenian kings through their rock inscriptions in cuneiform script, between the 6th and the 4th centuries BCE. A number of scholastic texts like the Bundahishn, Arda Viraz Namaq, the Denkard, Epistles of Manuschir, Dadestan-I-Diniq and Shayast-ne-Shayast were all compiled in the Pahlavi language between the 6th and 9th centuries ACE. There are very few prayers in Pahlavi.
Today Zarathushtis from Iran speak Farsi (New Persian) and English and within the community they speak Dari, a special dialect spoken mainly by them. The Parsees are generally bilingual, as they speak Gujarati and English.
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Zarathushti FestivalsNORUZ
The most important celebration in the Zarathushti calendar is Noruz – New Day. This festival is linked to fire, the seventh creation of Ahura Mazda and heralds the beginning of spring. It represents the annual resurgence of life and is seen to be a day of renewal and joy. According to the texts, Rapithwan, the Lord of noon, is said to emerge from underneath the earth after the cold winter months. Rapithwan is believed to keep the seeds warm and the waters flowing in preparation for the emergence of life with the advent of spring, the beginning of which is marked by the spring Noruz festival. On this Noruz, a special table is laid out, by the Iranian Zarathushtis. The table is laden with food and other religious symbols and kept in their homes for several days.
GAHAMBARSEvery year, Zarathushtis celebrate the six gahambar festivals which are linked to the six creations with fire, the seventh creation being linked to Noruz – the New Day. There are also gahambars (community dinners) which are institutionalized by the laity, in memory of the dead. Traditional food is served to both the rich and the poor, during the gahambar festivals, in order to imbibe the spirit of oneness within the community.
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Zarathushti Fire Temples
Since ancient times, fire has been associated with Order and Truth. In the Zarathushti religion, fire, the seventh creation is praised and venerated as it represents truth, purity and goodness.
IRAN – In early Iran, the Zarathushtis had no permanent fire temples but each home had its own hearth fire, which was tended and propitiated. During the reign of the Zarathushti King Artaxerxes II (404-359 BCE.), the fire temples were introduced in order to discourage the growing cult and worship of the water divinity, Ardevi sura Anahita. Ruins of these fire temples can still be seen in Iran today, at Nishapur and Takht-e-Suleiman.
The two oldest sacred fires in Iran are housed in the village of Sharifabad and in the city of Yazd. In Sharifabad, Adur Farnbag, one of the three great ceremonial fires, originally established on a hill in the province of Fars has been united with the sacred fire of Ishtakr, which was the Royal Sassanian fire. The other exalted fire is the Atash Behram fire housed in the city of Yazd, which is the ecclesiastical centre of Zarathushtis, in Iran.
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Zarathushti Fire Temples … contd.
INDIAThe largest community of Zarathushtis, known in India as the Parsees, built a number of fire temples with great rapidity, in direct proportion to the wealth they made. Today, there are eight cathedral fires (Atash Behrams) and over a hundred fire temples all over India.
The oldest cathedral fire in India, is in the village of Udwada in Gujarat, some 190 km north of Mumbai. This fire has been continuously burning for over 750 years. According to Zarathushti history, the Iranian priests from Khorasan (a province in the north-east of Iran), brought with them the implements and sacred ash which were used to build this great fire in order to maintain the ritual continuity and link with the great sacred fires of Iran.
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Three Zarathushti Ceremonies
THE INITIATION CEREMONY- NAVJOTE
The navjote ceremony is the initiation of a Zarathushti child into the faith. During this ritual, a child is invested with a sacred under-vest (sudreh which is seen to be the good path) and a sacred cord (kushti which is seen to be the direction finder). The sudreh which is seen as the garment of the Good Mind is made of fine white muslin and is meant to remind the wearer of using the mind in one’s daily endeavor to stay on the good path. The kushti is made of 72 strands of lambs’ wool, which represents the Yasna liturgy and is woven into a hollow cord, which is symbolic of both the physical and spiritual worlds. A Zarathushti is required to wear the cord around the waist and over the sudreh. The kushti is meant to be tied and retied while reciting prayers, as the direction finder (kushti) redirects man onto the advantageous path. It is after the navjote ceremony that a child is considered to be responsible for one’s own thoughts, words and actions.
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Three Zarathushti Ceremonies … contd.THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Marriage, in Zarathushti religion is both a contract as well as a sacrament. The act of union is seen as righteous act, which makes the earth feel joyous and happy. Prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom separately have to undergo a purification ceremony which includes a ritual bath, in order to receive the divine blessings of the Zarathushti tradition. The priest chants prayers for the purification of the souls of the couple, while the bath is being undertaken. During the marriage ceremony, the priests invoke the blessings of Ahura Mazda and the Amesha Spentas for a happy married life, with many children, lots of friends and good health.
THE JASHANThe jashan is a Zarathushti thanksgiving ceremony, which re-enacts the moment of creation. It is usually performed on festival days and on auspicious occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries or when moving into a new home. In this ceremony, all the seven Bounteous Immortals are invoked in a prescribed format aimed at recreating the harmony at the time of creation. The laity attending this ceremony is meant to experience an inexplicable harmony of joy and wellbeing in both physical and spiritual worlds.
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Community Halls and Places of Worship (Darbe Mehrs) In North America