18th North American Zoroastrian Congress 2024

Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence

About Us

NAZC2024 Theme

The 18th North American Zarathushti Congress (NAZC) will be hosted by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) from Dec 29, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025 in Houston, Texas

Our Congress theme is Generation Z: Propelling Zarathushti Resurgence. Generation Z is a double word play, signifying all the Z(arathushti) Generations as well as the generation in their teens and early twenties. After successfully hosting 3 Congresses, it’s time again for ZAH to become the launch pad for “Z” generations to come together with the world-wide Zarathushti community and propel the Zarathushti resurgence to heights never reached or seen before.

We have some very exciting, provocative & thought-provoking sessions for all ages that will be very different from the regular, mundane ones based on our Theme & our goal is to have at least 40% Youth & Young Adult attendees under 40 attend the Congress. Our program will also include a tour of our newly built Atash-Kadeh. We are also planning some real fun pre, during and post congress activities. Our dedicated group of 75+ volunteers are working extremely hard and planning to enlighten, educate and entertain you. Do come to Houston, Texas for the NAZC2024, stay and enjoy our Texas hospitality.

About the ZAH

The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) was established in 1976 to promote the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the Zoroastrian faith. ZAH membership consisting of Irani Zarathushtis & Parsis from India, Iran and Pakistan, continues to grow at a rapid rate. ZAH has a proven track record of successfully hosting multiple events, including the 7th NAZC in 1990, 7th World Zoroastrian Congress in 2000 and the 15th North American Zoroastrian Congress (NAZC) in 2010.

The Zarathushti Heritage and Cultural Center (ZHCC) opened in May 1998. Located in Southwest Houston it is built on a seven-acre site that was donated by community members. The ZHCC has grown over the years and is now a 12,500 sq. ft. space, with two large halls, a Library, Prayer room and 3 classrooms. In addition, we have a beautiful newly built standalone, fully functional Atash Kadeh / Agiary. The Atash Kadeh is approximately 7,000 sq. ft. and consists of the Prayer hall, a Jashan/Muktad hall, as well as an Urvishgah and a future Navar training facility.

About Houston


America’s fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum district or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite in one of dozens of award-winning restaurants or hang out with the cool kids on Washington Avenue. There’s always something to do in this Southern hospitality meets urban chic city.

Our Executive Comm. and Committee Co-Chairs:

NameCommittees
Kayo SidhwaCo-Chair, NAZC Executive Comm.
Aderbad TamboliCo-Chair, NAZC Executive Comm.
Lyla DarogaTreasurer, NAZC Executive Comm.
Percy MasterSecretary, NAZC Executive Comm.
Aban RustomjiProgram
Poras T. Balsara
Meher PatelHospitality (Operations)
Yasmin Medhora
Kamalrukh GandhiEntertainment
Farzana Sidhwa
Manek NarimanRegistration
Sweta Sethna
Mitra MistryYouth and Young Adults (Under 30)
Natalya Haveliwala
Zenia Sunavala
Ken BhappuPre & Post Congress (Transportation)
Farida Divecha
Danesh DesaiWebsite
Arzan Sam Wadia
Khushrav NarimanA/V and technology
Sheroy Haveliwala
Kayo SidhwaFundraising
TBD
Minaz DungorExhibits and Booths
Dilnaz Mory
Khursheed DasturPublications
Percy Katrak
Mani SurkariPress Relations
Zeeba Kayani
Sanober TamboliMedical Team
Sorab Italia
Vehishta KaikobadKid’s, Teens and Tweens Program