Navroz Platform

The joie de vivre, fraternization and love for food that characterizes the Zoroastrian community found a platform once again at the Ninth Navroze Dhamaka — 2004 organized by The D. D. Mehta Memorial Trust and The Parsi Food and Trade Festival at Allbless Baug on March 21, 2004. All age-groups found avenues for self expression: a fancy dress competition for children, dance and fashion show choreographed by Pearlyn and Mazdiar Mehta, and items by the nonagenarians. The show was sponsored by philanthropist Shahrukh Kathawalla with his sister Maharukh Noble offering her support, notes a write-up on the event.

The highlight of the evening was the Navroze King, Queen, Prince and Princess contest. Yohann Wadia was crowned Navroze King, Dilkhush Reporter, Navroze Queen, Mazdiar Mehta, Navroze Prince and Shanaira Patel, Navroze Princess. Mimicry by veteran artiste Nagendra and a show of muscles by Mr India 2004 were the added attractions that evening when ghazal queen Penaaz Masani was the chief guest. Among the other guests who had graced the occasion were members of the legislative assembly Raj Purohit and Atul Shah, Member of Parliament Jaywantiben Mehta, Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Silloo Kavarana and stage and television artiste Silloo Mahava.

Enthralling the audience at Allbless Baug was 93-year-old Freny Ghandhy who played the mouth organ and 95-year-old Homi Bana who sang Hindi and Gujarati songs. The program was ably compered by the event manager Hutoxi Dudhwalla. The typical Parsi food available on sale was catered by Dini Caterers. The credit for organizing the event goes to managing trustee Diniar Mehta and his wife Shiraz, who along with fund-raising chairperson Soonoo Andhyarujina, program controller Jamshed Khodai, financial controller Minoo Dalal and a team of "dedicated committee members and volunteers” endeavored "to promote the rich heritage and culture of the Parsi community and to share the same with our brethren communities,” according to the souvenir brought out on the occasion.