To a Zoroastrian, a navjote is meant to signify a spiritual birth, while a lagan, a sacred union of kindred souls. Sanctifying these occasions are the mobeds whose presence confirms that "Zoroastrian ceremonies are religious enterprises and not worldly business transactions,” as remarked Dastur (Dr) Firoze Kotwal when responding to our questions on the role of priests at navjote/wedding celebrations (see "The presiding priests,” pg 48).
In India, there have been no alterations in the performance of these ceremonies, from the purificatory bath until the blessings are showered, claim the priests. The presence of a fire at a navjote indicates there......