MUYA goes to Mumbai. Part 2: Dadar Athornan

Lights, Camera, Action!

As part of our task to document the Yasna in the 21st century, this week saw filming of the ritual take place at the Dadar Athornan – a training school for young, aspiring priests. Since non-Zoroastrians are not permitted entry to actual fire temples in India, it was necessary to film the action within the school’s mock ritual precinct (yazišn gah) which is used for instructional purposes and does not involve a consecrated fire.

Performed by the seemingly indefatigable mobeds Adil Bhesania (zot) and Aspandiarji Dadachanji (raspi) and directed and shot by Remi and Anna Sowa (Chouette Films), the resultant recording, which runs to nearly 5 hours, captures the entire Yasna ceremony ( including the preparatory paragna ritual), in glorious 4.6K resolution.

A second performance of the Yasna was then shot in 8K on a Virtual Reality, 360 degree camera. For the first time, this will provide audiences with a fully immersive, VR experience of the ritual.

Our sincere thanks go to all involved, including our priests, our film crew and Principal Ramiyar Karanjia for making this possible.

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Priests Aspandiarji Dadachanji & Adil Bhesania 08

MUYA Team 02