Religious Songs
Religious Poems and Songs - Courtesy Rustom Chothia.
Praising Ahura Mazda The Creator
Rudi Sawar Sada Hajo
Uthi Ahura Mazda Bhajo
Bandagi Kari Magan Thajo
Sada Sajjan Thajo
Dadar tu Sarjanhar
Rajino Bakhshnar
Ashoino tu Sardar
Tu chhe maro sachho yaar
Roshni chhe Tare Dwar
Nekino Sarjanhar
Sarvagyani Datar
Sarvagyani datar
Tu sarjan har
Rajino Bakhshnar
Ashoino Sardar
Tu chhe maro sachho yaar
Roshni chhe Tare Dwar
Nekino Sarjanhar
Sarvagyani Datar
Khudavind Khavind Oh Parvardegar,
Namu Tari Dadgahe Hun Khaak Saar.
Thayo Roj Akher Sharu Thai Che Raat,
Tane Raji Karvaathi Hun Chun Pachhaat.
Dayalu Khudavind Oh Jagna Re Baap,
Mane Saru Dahpan Ne budhi Tu Aap.
Ke Bhulo Sudharun Have roj be roj,
Ke Bhalai Vadharun Kari Nitya Khoj.
Bhalu hakma Mare te janu nahi,
Bhalu je mane te ju jane sahi.
Bahu ajiji thin amine khuda,
Karu chun dua ashisho de sada.
Ke tari madadthi hun rakhu vivek,
Manashni, gavashni, kunashni je nek.
Mane tari Pas-banima suvad,
Bhala kamo karva savare uthad.
Months in the Calendar by Rustom Chothia
Pahelo mahino Farvardin,
Bijo Mahino Ardibehest,
Trijo mahino Khordad,
Chotho mahino Tir.
Panchmo mahino Amardad,
Chatho mahino Sherever,
Satmo mahino Meher.
Athmo mahino Avan,
Naumo mahino Adar,
Dasmo Mahino Dae.
Agiarmo Mahino Bahman,
Barmo Mahino Asfandard.
(to the tune of ‘Sing a song of six pence’)
The first day is Hormuzd – Lord of the Universe,
The second day is Bahman – Mazda’s good mind,
The third day is Ardibehest – truth and righteousness,
The fourth day is Sherever – God’s Authority.
The fifth day is Asfandard – Piety and devotion,
The sixth day is Khordad – complete and perfect,
The seventh day is Amerdad – Immortal and undying,
The eight day is Daepadar – The day of Ahuramazda.
The ninth day is Adar – Ahura Mazda’s fire,
The tenth day is Avan – Pure and undefiled,
The eleventh day is Khorshed – The sun that gives us life,
The twelfth day is Mohor – The moon that shines at night.
The thirteenth day is Tir – The star that shines so bright,
The fourteenth day is Gosh – The joy giving cow,
The fifteenth day is Daepmeher – Day of Ahuramazda,
The sixteenth day is Meher – Promise and friendship.
The seventeenth day is Sarosh – Obedience and conscience,
The eighteenth day is Rashne – The judge of our deeds,
The nineteenth day is Farvardin – Day of Farohars,
The twentieth day is Behram – Victory for us all.
The twenty-first day is Ram – who gives us peace and joy,
The twenty-second day is Govad – The wind and breath of life,
The twenty-third day is Daepdin – The day of Ahuramazda,
The twenty-fourth day is Din – The day of our religion.
The twenty-fifth day is Ashishwang – The angel giving wealth,
The twenty-sixth day is Astad – The judge of our deeds,
The twenty-seventh day is Asman – The sky above the earth,
The twenty-eight day is Zamiyad – The earth on which we live.
The twenty-ninth day is Marespand – The Holy Word of God,
The thirtieth day is Aneran – endless light of God,
This is how we come to the end of the month,
With Angels looking after us every precious day.
(to the tune of ‘You are my sunshine’)
O Zarathushtra Dear Zarathushtra,
You make me happy when I am blue,
You are my light when I’m in the darkness,
I want to be always with you.
O Zarathushtra Dear Zarathushtra,
You are my teacher, You are my guide.
You taught me to wear the sudreh kusti,
O Zarathushtra never leave my side.
O Zarathushtra Dear Zarathushtra,
You taught me never to tell a lie.
You taught me to praise Ahuramazda,
And to worship the Aatash Padshah.
I’ll honour and keep all your commandments,
I’ll keep my mind and my body pure,
I’ll tread the path of Ashoi you taught me,
And battle Evil till my dying day.
(to the tune of ‘My bonny lies over the ocean)
We thank you for the food on our table,
We thank you for the clothes that we wear,
We thank you for the roof over our heads,
We thank you for your love and your care.
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazda – Mazda,
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazdaaa.
We thank you for the sun that is shining,
We thank you for the waters that flow,
We thank you for the plants and the animals,
We thank you for the fires that glow.
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazda – Mazda,
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazdaaa.
We thank you for the parents you gave us,
We thank you for the teachers we have,
But most of all we come to thank you,
For making Zarathushtra our guide.
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazda – Mazda,
Thank You, O Thank You, O Thank You Ahura Mazdaaa.
(to the tune of ‘She’ll be coming down the mountain)
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I wear my Sudreh and Kusti,
I love my Sudreh and Kusti,
Day and night I wear my Sudreh and Kusti,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
During day I face the sun and pray,
In the night I face the light,
I pray thanks to Mazda because he made me,
A healthy and Happy Zarathusty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
I go to pray in Aatash Behram,
I go to pray in Agiary,
I go to pray near the river or the sea,
I am proud to be a Zarathusty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
My mind will have only good thoughts,
My mouth will speak only good words,
I will do good deeds like charity,
I am proud to be a Zarathusty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
In the morning I eat Akuree,
In the noon its Dhun-Dal and Machee,
In the night its masoor Gosh or titoree.
I am proud to be a Zarathusty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
I will marry only a Zarathusty,
I will marry only a Zarathusty,
I will keep pure my Tokham Kyanee,
I am proud to be a Zarathusty.
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty,
I am proud to be – I am proud to be,
I am proud to be a Zarathushty.
(to the tune of ‘Irene Goodnight’)
Atash Padshah, atash Padshah,
I love thee so and worship thee,
O son of Ahura Mazda.
Thou are worthy of Worship,
May thou be ever so,
We bring to you as offering,
Our good deeds, we’ve done today.
Atash Padshah, Atash Padshah,
Your glowing light is over us,
The noor of Ahura Mazda.
You bless us with heatlh and abundance,
And a mind that is sharp as steel,
You bless us with good progeny,
Heroic and full of Ashoi.
Atash Padshah, Atash Padshah,
You are the son of Ahura Mazda,
Protect me night and day.
Atash Padshah, Atash Padshah,
You are the son of Ahura Mazda,
Protect me night and day.
(to the tune of ‘Mara Mamani Fulni Wadi, Mara Pappani Motor Gadi’)
I will think only good thoughts,
I will speak only good words,
I will do only good deeds,
Because I love Ahura Mazda.
I will live my life by Ashoi,
I will live my life by truth,
I will live my life by Righteousness,
Because I love Ahura Mazda.
I will always wear my Sudreh Kusti,
I will never ever tell lies,
I will always honour my parents,
And make them feel proud of me.
I will feed the poor who have no food,
I will clothe the poor who have no clothes,
I will help the poor who are needy,
Because I love Ahura Mazda.
I will always wear my Sudreh Kusti,
I will never ever tell lies,
I will always honour my parents,
And make them feel proud of me.
Praising Ahura Mazda The Creator
(to the tune of ‘John Brown’s Body lies mourning in the grave)
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Heavens,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Sky,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the World,
I will praise you and worship you always.
Chorus:
Glory, Glory Ahura Mazda,
Glory Glory Ahura Mazda,
Glory Glory Ahura Mazda,
The Creator of everything Good.
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Stars,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Sun,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Moon,
I will praise you and worship you always.
Chorus:
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Animals,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Fish,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Birds,
I will praise you and worship you always.
Chorus:
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Plants,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Water,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Fire,
I will praise you and worship you always.
Chorus:
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Amesha Spentas,
Ahura Mazda Creator of the Yazads,
Ahura Mazda Creator of Man and Woman,
I will praise you and worship you always.
Prayer Class Activities - 2014
| Date | 3rd November 2014 |
| Event | 25 Years of Prayer Classes held in NZ |
| Venue | Social Room, Te Tuhi, Reeves Road, Pakuranga |
| Description | The Zarathushtrian Association of New Zealand (ZANZ) organized a function to celebrate the completion of 25 years of Prayer Classes held in NZ.
It was held at the Social Room, Te Tuhi, Reeves Road, Pakuranga where approximately more than 50 people attended the function. A brief synopsis of how the prayer classes commenced, was read out to all, followed by 2 Monajats being sung by our community children. ZANZ felicitated the following people for their selfless service rendered from the early days till date: Dr. Noshir & Daksha Mistry, Darius & Edwina Mistry, Mana Vazifdar, Bilkish Vazifdar, Thrity Mistry, Freny Khambatta, Shernaz Petigara, Tehmus Mistry , Minoo Siganporia, Hormuz Patel & Godrej Engineer. Tehmus Mistry & Minoo Siganporia spoke words of appreciation for many others for their continuous support and good doings especially Mr. Godrej Engineer & Ms. Shernaz Petigara. Everyone enjoyed light refreshments, juice & tea before we ended the celebrations. |
| Images |
Prayer Class Activities - 2013
Navjote, the initiation of a Parsi into the fold of Zoroastrianism.
The initiation of a Parsi child into the fold of the Zoroastrian religion is known as Navjote. The ceremony of the initiation consists of the investiture of the child with a sacred shirt called sudre and a sacred thread called kusti. A Zoroastrian may put on any dress he likes, but he must put on the sacred shirt and the thread as the symbol and badge of his religion.
ZANZ held prayer classes for our community children every first Saturday of the month from February 2013 to November 2013.
Our volunteers Mana Vazifdar, Thrity Mistry, Tehmus Mistry & Minoo Siganporia have devoted one Saturday of each month to the service of our Zoroastrian community.
ZANZ heartily thanks them for the effort and dedication.
The prayer class is held at Te Tuhi from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The classes starts off with the hum-bandagi followed by the kusti prayers and two monajats "Khudavind Khavind" and "Chhaiye Hame Zarathosti". The class is then segregated into pre-navjote and post-navjote groups.
Pre-Navjote :
The children are taught the Kusti prayers (alongwith how to tie the kusti), Din no Kalmo, Dua-Tandarosti, 101 names of Ahura Mazda, 30 days of a month & 12 months of a year. Short stories are also sometimes narrated to the children.
Post-Navjote:
The children are imparted with the knowledge of our ancestral history, significance of some religious ceremonies and dateline of our religion etc.
We encourage parents to send their children regularly to these prayer classes to help our future generation grow with full knowledge of their religion.
ZANZ would like to thank all our volunteers who selflessly devoted their time towards the religious education of our children.
If you know of anyone who would like to send their children to these prayer classes, kindly contact any of the committee members. ZANZ prayer classes are open to all Zoroastrians, irrespective of membership.
The schedule of prayer classes for the year 2014 is on the ZANZ website under "Activities".
Kind Regards,
ZANZ Management Committee.
Prayer Class Activities - 2012
A brief excerpt taken from http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/
The Eternal Flame
Zoroastrians turn towards a flame, athra/atash, or source of light when they worship. At the heart of a Zoroastrian place of worship burns a fire - and where possible the fire burns continuously as an ever-burning flame symbolizing an eternal spiritual flame.
The temporal fire represents the spiritual flame, mainyu athra, within us, the divine fire of creation, and the undying ethical values of Asha: honesty, order, beneficence, fairness and justice. The symbolism of the eternal flame in Zoroastrianism can be compared to the symbolism of the Olympic flame- it symbolizes core ethical values and principles. The ritual in lighting the Olympic flame and in its installation, the reverence with which the flame is treated, and the awe the flame inspires, are all very Zoroastrian-like. While it is the values behind the flame that are at the core of its symbolism, the flame in this context acquires an aura of sacredness, for to harm or sully the flame means harm to the values represented (in a fashion similar to the manner in which a nation's flag acquires an aura of sacredness. Desecrating such a flag can cause great offense for it is not the cloth of the flag being desecrated but everything the flag represents).
In Zoroastrianism, light represents wisdom while darkness represents ignorance. Ignorance and darkness are the absence of wisdom and light. Indeed, a contemplation of the fire reveals all the values and principles at the heart of Zoroastrianism.
ZANZ Prayer Class
ZANZ commenced its prayer class sessions for the year 2012 from 4th Feb onwards. ZANZ conducts prayer classes every month with the help of volunteers at Te Tuhi from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. We start our classes with hum bandagi and then we sing our two monajats “Khudavind Khavind” and “Chhaiye hame Zarathoshti”. The class is then segregated into pre-Navjote, intermediate and post-Navjote groups.
Pre-Navjote
The pre-Navjote pupils are taught our kusti prayers, 101 names of Ahura Mazda, 30 days of the month, 12 months of the year, Din no kalmo and Dua- tandarosti. Our veterans Mana Vazifdar, Thrity Mistry and Minoo Siganporia impart this religious knowledge to our young children. The aim of this class is to teach the kusti prayers and also to make them learn how to tie a kusti. The children will therefore be ready for the Navjote ceremony where they can pray confidently. Short religious stories are also sometimes narrated to our children.
Intermediate
The Intermediate students’ class is conducted by Yutaz Saher. A brainstorm activity was conducted at the beginning of the year leading to a pool of questions by the children wherein they were eager to learn about the Navjote and our existence in Zoroastrianism.
Navjote is a traditional ceremony wherein a child is inducted into the Zoroastrian religion and begins to wear the Sudreh and Khusti. For children to understand the cultural meaning and significance of the ritual without overpowering them with a lot of information the sessions were divided into the following:
- Sudreh and Khusti
- Rituals
- Meaning of the Navjote prayers
To keep children engaged and enthusiastic throughout the session activity sheets, games and discussions were carried out allowing them to grasp the concepts of our ceremony and various rituals. Additionally, in every session our prayer class ended with a few sessions of how our religion came to be.
Post-Navjote
Our post-Navjote students’ class is conducted by Tehmus Mistry. These kids know their basic Kusti prayers and are keen to learn something more about our Religion. They are fascinated about our history, the significance of various religious ceremonies and symbols, background and stories of miracles performed by Dasturji Kukadaru sahebji and Mushkil Aasan Behram Yazd, the dateline of our Religion and the arrival of Zoroastrians in India.
Last Prayer Class
Our last prayer class for this year was held on 3rd Nov where the children were given a special treat of burgers, chips and juice. The children enjoy every prayer class and at times it may seem monotonous, but adding some fun and laughter brings excitement and makes the class lively.
Importance of Prayer Classes
ZANZ's Prayer classes are an important part of our association and these are held every month. Our attendance in this class ranges from 15 to 24 pupils and we are glad that this has continued even when we have long weekends. This shows the commitment and interest not only from the pupils but also their parents.
We encourage Zoroastrian parents to send their children regularly for prayer classes. Please feel free to circulate this email amongst your Zoroastrian friends in Auckland. If you know of anyone who would like to send their children to our classes please contact any committee member or Minoo Siganporia. ZANZ Prayer classes are open to all Zoroastrians irrespective of membership.
We would like to thank all our volunteers who selflessly give their time towards the religious education of our children.
We will announce the schedule of prayer classes for the year 2013 in January.
Ushta-Te
ZANZ Management Committee
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