2. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 1 Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America Incorporated in the State of Illinois 1986 Serving the Zarathushti Community in U S A & CANADA

3. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 2 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.

4. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 3 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.

5. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 4 How is FEZANA Organized? 24 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS OF FEZANA (Decision Making Body) FEZANA EXECUTIVE Five Elected Officers Nine Standing Committees Twelve Ad Hoc Committees

6. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 5 MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS CANADA ALBERTA Zoroastrian Association of Alberta BRITISH COLUMBIA Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia ONTARIO Zoroastrian Society of Ontario Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation QUEBEC Zoroastrian Association of Quebec

7. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 6 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

8. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 7 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

9. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 8 Corresponding Members & Small Groups CALIFORNIA San Diego Zoroastrian Community FLORIDA Zoroastrian Anjuman of Tampa Bay Central Florida Community, Orlando KENTUCKY/OHIO/INDIANA Zoroastrian Community of Kentucky-Ohio-Indiana LOUISIANA Zoroastrian Community of New Orleans MANITOBA Zoroastrian Community of Manitoba MICHIGAN Zarathushtis of Michigan MINNESOTA Minnesota Zoroastrian Community MISSOURI St. Louis Zoroastrian Community NEBRASKA Nebraska Zoroastrian Interest Group NOVA SCOTIA Zoroastrian Association of Atlantic Canada OHIO Cleveland Zoroastrian Community Cincinnati Zoroastrian Community TEXAS Zoroastrian Center of Austin

10. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 9 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) Financial Investment Advisory UN/NGO Committee Creative & Performing Arts Strategic Planning ZYNA & Youth Congress ToR Review

11. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 10 Infrastructure F E Z A NA E X E C U T I V E 5 Elected officers F E Z A NA E X E C U T I V E 5 Elected officers Member Associations (Voting Entity) Corresponding Members (Non Voting Entity ) Standing Committees Ad Hoc Committees

12. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 11 FEZANA STANDING COMMITTEES

13. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 12Standing Committees Planning & Coordination Unity & Welfare Information Receiving & Dissemination Funds & Finance Census & Survey Youth ( ZYNA) Zarathushti Sports (ZSC) Education, Conference & Scholarships (Academic & Religion) North American Zarathushti Congress Small Groups of North American Zarathushtis

14. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 13 PLANNING & COORDINATION 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

15. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 14 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.

16. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 15 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 revenue Developing to enhance the FEZANA website To print new improved FEZANA brochures that include history, culture and traditions of Zarathushtis

17. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 16 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

18. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 17 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

19. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 18 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

20. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 19 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

21. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 20 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

22. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 21 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

23. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 22 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

24. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 23 ZOROASTRIAN SPORTS (ZSC) Organize Zarathushti games around North America; 9 th Zarathushti games were held in Vancouver, B.C in 2004 Organize Unity Soccer games; 3 rd game was held in Terrance, CA in 2003 Venue for uniting Zarathushti youth through their love for sports

25. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 24 FEZANA AD HOC COMMITTEES

26. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 25 Ad Hoc Committees Heritage Preservation & Historical Research External Affairs Public Relations Canadian Chapter Constitution North American Awards Financial Investment Advisory UN/NGO Creative & Performing Arts Strategic Planning

27. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 26 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”

28. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 27 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Interfaith & Multicultural programs Parliament of World Religions National Council for Community and Justice (NCCJ) North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Harvard Pluralism project World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce

29. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 28 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

30. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 29 CANADIAN CHAPTER Establish a chapter as a “non-profit religious charity” in Canada to facilitate fund-raising with Canadian donors

31. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 30 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

32. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 31 NORTH AMERICAN AWARDS FEZANA Recognition awards are given at each North American Congress at a Luncheon hosted by FEZANA Categories of Awards Rohinton 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

33. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 32 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.

34. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 33 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)

35. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 34 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.

36. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 35 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

37. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 36 ACHIEVEMENTS FEZANA has participated in many activities, such as Book Publications Study of Dari language Project was partly funded by FEZANA Celebration of 3000 th 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

38. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 37 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 www.Fezana.org

39. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 38 Contact FEZANA For further information about FEZANA, visit, www.fezana.org FEZANA needs you Volunteer your time and talent for the community via FEZANA

40. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 39Zarathushti 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.

41. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 40 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, andHaurvatat, 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.

42. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 41 The Zarathushti People Zoroastrianism: Religion of the people of the Iranian plateau from 6 th Century BCE to 7 th 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.

43. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 42 Zarathushti Language and Texts Zarathushti 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.

44. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 43 Zarathushti Festivals NORUZ 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. GAHAMBARS Every 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.

45. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 44 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.

46. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 45 Zarathushti Fire Temples … contd. INDIA The 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.

47. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 46 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.

48. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 47 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 JASHAN The 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.

49. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 48 Community Halls and Places of Worship (Darbe Mehrs) In North America 1977 New Rochelle 2003 Pomona 19781983 19871998 1985 – Vancouver (Arbab Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr). 1986 - San Jose (Arbab Rustom Guiv Darbe Mehr). 2004 – Washington DC in progress

50. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 49 The FEZANA Executive 2004-2005 President Firdosh Mehta Vice President Bomi Patel Treasurer Rashid Mehin Secretary Rita Engineer Assistant Secretary Farrokh Mistree

51. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 50FEZANA – Links - http://www.fezana.org/links.htm Visit the FEZANA Website http://www.FEZANA.org Visit FEZANA Links http://www.fezana.org/links.htm for information on ZARATHUSHTI (ZOROASTRIAN) RELIGION ZARATHUSHTI ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE ZARATHUSHTI CULTURE & HISTORY ZARATHUSHTI BUSINESS & COMMERCE

52. FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations FEZANA – Federation of North American Zoroastrian Associations http://www.fezana.orghttp://www.fezana.org 51 Acknowledgments Slides 35 through 43 – FEZANA Publicity Packet 1998. Compiled by Dr.Dolly Dastoor, then PRESIDENT of FEZANA, Montreal, CANADA. Slides 38 through 43 – Contributed by Khojeste Mistree and Firoza Punthakey-Mistree, Zoroastrian Studies, Mumbai, India Slides 7 through 34 – updated FEZANA PR CD prepared by Mahrukh Motafram, Overall compilation of slides by Farrokh Mistree and Firdosh Mehta. Updated on Nov. 9, 2005.