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 Benediction in Bhuj
- Parinaz M. Gandhi
Being the only Zoroastrian in Bhuj, Roda Boatwala continues to tend the fire at the Daremeher founded by her great-grandfather Pestonji Bhujwala 100 years ago
 The fire in the 100-year-old Pestonji Sohrabji Bhujwala Daremeher is tended not by a boiwalla, not even by an athornan but by Roda Boatwala, the last surviving Zoroastrian resident in Bhuj who has taken upon herself the responsibility of cleaning and maintaining this place of worship founded by her great-grandfather. The dadgah fire may now see few worshipers and the fire temple may have become a prayer hall but that did not deter the descendants of the Bhujwala family and Zoroastrians from the neighboring areas of Gandhidham, Adipur, Anjar and Madhapur to join in the centenary celebrations on May 9, 2005, roz Dae-pa-Din, mah Adar.
The centenary function included a jashan by Ervad Tehmton Govadia of Bombay who was keen to perform prayers in the Bhujwala Daremeher since he had cherished childhood memories of this place where his father had served as resident priest for almost a decade. The simple function in the evening was graced by Maharao Pragmalji, Maharani Pritidevi and other representatives of the erstwhile royal family of Kutch.
As recalled Pervine Bhujwala at the function, the Daremeher was inaugurated in 1905, almost a fortnight before the consecration, at the hands of the then Maharao Khengarji Sawai Bahadur of Kutch (great-grandfather of Pragmalji), "a proof of the close association that existed between our families over the past many, many years." They also welcomed in their midst social worker and philanthropist Kantisen Shroff who is committed to reviving the rural economy and creating awareness on agricultural and conservation issues.
Although 100 years old, "this monument still stands strong and stately, despite weathering difficult and damaging times," observed Pervine Bhujwala gratefully appreciating the "dedicated service" of Boatwala and Rohinton Bhujwala who too looked after the Daremeher prior to his leaving Bhuj. During the 2001 earthquake which devastated many localities in the region, the Daremeher was fortunately saved with only the afarganiu replicas atop the structure sliding to the ground after which they were reaffixed in the compound there, mentions Capt Pestonji Bhujwala. In fact the compound and adjoining structures were offered as temporary refuge for victims who became homeless during the natural disaster, writes another great-grandson Maneck Bhujwala of California.
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