Gems of Gujarat

The main attraction at the Parsika Pavilion was the exact depiction of the sanctum sanctorum of an agiary, complete with an afargan and burning fire with a plaster of Paris figure of a priest offering prayers. Designed jointly by the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat (APP) and the Ushta-te Foundation, the Parsika Pavilion at the Vishwa Gujarati Parivaar Mahotsav — Vibrant Gujarat Festival in Ahmedabad from January 12 to 25, 2004 was visited by thousands of visitors including outstanding ministers and industrialists, and adjudged the best, according to a report of the event forwarded by the APP president Areez Khambatta.

When chief minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi visited the Pavilion, he was welcomed with a traditional achhu-michhu, the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarathoshti and presentation of a shawl by the managing trustee of Ushta-te Foundation Meher Medora. As Khambatta showed him around the Pavilion, Modi remarked that Parsis are "Gujarat nu gharénu ané manavta ni mahék (the jewels of Gujarat and the fragrance of mankind).”

A life size picture of Lord Zarathushtra with special light effects, replicas of carved pillars, farohars and godhas drew the attention of passersby to the Parsika stall. The traditional gara saris, phetas and pugrees, ses and achhu-michhu ni thali were the other items on display. There were also photographs and charts explaining the navjote and marriage ceremonies and the dakhmenashini mode of disposing the dead in the Towers of Silence. Additionally seen were photographs of prominent Parsis of Gujarat and their contribution to the success and growth of the country.

Clockwise from top left: Facade of the Parsika Pavilion, volunteers from Ushta-te Foundation, Khambatta (in pugree) with Dastoor; and with Modi

The culture, tradition and contribution of the Parsi community to Gujarat were the main themes of the Parsika Pavilion. Visitors who studied the artefacts got an insight into the lifestyle and tradition of a community which although small in numbers has made a gigantic contribution to the history and development of India.

"A very impressive pavilion,” commented eminent industrialist Ratan Tata in the visitors’ book. At the inauguration of the Festival by the Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee, Tata was honored with the Gujarat Garima Award presented by the Prime Minister. Among the subjects explored during the days of the Mahotsav were — the history of the migration of Gujaratis to foreign lands, contribution of non resident Gujaratis to the land of their roots, emerging technologies in industrial development, innovations in the rural sector, institutes of excellence in Gujarat, science and technology, water conservation, women’s empowerment, medical tourism, minority communities, handlooms and handicrafts. Cultural programs added their own charm to the event.

At the inauguration the diva was lit by Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Udvada. Impressed with the Parsika stall he had commented, "Doing a wonderful job for our community.” Taking advantage of the High Priest’s presence in Ahmedabad a talk on the history of the Iranshah and its significance was organized which was followed by a dinner hosted by Areez and Persis Khambatta.