Roj Dae-pa-Adar Mah Sherevar, 1380 Yz.
The Siroza and Varsi days for late Vada Dasturji Meherji Dastur Kekobad Meherjirana was observed on Roj Amardad and Dae-pa-Adar respectively (22nd and 23rd January). The detailed ceremonies appropriate to the occasion were carried out at the Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shroff Daremeher in Jogeshwari, Mumbai by a team of Mobed Sahebs led by myself.
In addition, prayers and ceremonies were also held at Vada Dasturji’s house and at the Bhagarsath Atash Behram in Navsari.
In the blink of an eye, a whole year has passed since Vada Dasturji passed away. How time flies! It seems just yesterday when we first heard of the terrible news of his demise, and just a short while ago when we sat down to conduct the prayers and ceremonies for him as per his desire at my Daremeher.
On the occasion of Dasturji’s Varsi, I present here a few photos from the many given to me by his wife Meherbanu for archiving.
It all began with the first Dasturji Meherjirana – Dastur Meherji Ervad Vatchha, who was appointed the first Vada Dastur of the community on 12th March 1579. He passed away on 1st November, 1591. Here is the portrait of this saintly personage from Dasturji’s house and also present at the Navsari Bhagarsath Atash Behram.
The Dasturi passed on to 14 descendants before it was handed to Dastur Kekobad Dastur Darab on 29th January 1907. Here is the photograph of Dastur Kekobad – the adoptive father of Dasturji Meherji.
Dasturji Meherji became the 16th Meherjirana following the death of his adoptive father Dastur Kekobad on 24th July 1960. Here are some photographs of Dastur Meherji through his life.
A young Dastur Meherji with the President of India Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan.
Here is a photograph of the wedding procession of Dasturji Meherji, as it passed through the east side of the Navsari Bhagarsath Atash Behram. Notice the “teturi” band players in the front!
The second photograph shows a very young Dasturji Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa in the procession (in line with Dasturji Meherji on his right, with the shawl).
Here is a very rare and unique photograph. From left to right, a very young K. N. Dastoor (the current 17th Dastur Meherjirana), Dastur Hormuzdyar Mirza of Udvada, Dasturji Meherji standing and speaking, and late Jehangirji Chiniwalla sitting on the right. This is most probably taken on one of the Baj functions of Ustad Saheb Behramshah N. Shroff.
A rare photograph of Dastur Meherji felicitating JRD Tata on his visit to Navsari.
A loving photograph of Dasturji Meherji and his wife Meherbanu
A late photograph showing Dasturji Meherji with the great Athravan Ervad Eruchshah Karkaria
One of the last photos of Dasturji Meherji standing under the portrait of his illustrious ancestor the first Dasturji Meherjirana.
May Dasturji Meherji’s Ruvan progress speedily from the spiritual regions and come under the protection of Asho Sarosh Yazad and move forward to join the great Ardafravash Brotherhood!
Ervad Marzban J. Hathiram
JAN
