Tarapore transformed

The 56-year-old Cowasji Mobed Dharamshala at Tarapore wears a new look thanks to the initiative and perseverance of one of its enthusiastic trustees Ervad Pallonji Pirojsha Dastur. The entire Dharamshala has been newly painted. Each of the six rooms protected with netlon screens has an attached bathroom with glazed tiles, a shower, geyser and western style toilet. As you enter the Dharamshala compound, there is a little garden and a well. Next there is a spacious portico where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze on a large swing or relax comfortably on the wide benches. A central hall serves as a dining room. To the rear is the kitchen. The food is delicious. The rates are Rs 40 per head for stay and Rs 250 per head per day for all meals. Bedsheets, pillow covers, towel can be had for a charge. Ervad Percy Khurshed Bhada and his mother Piloo manage the Dharamshala. Percy also serves as the panthaky of the agiary at Tarapore which has a dadgah fire. For bookings contact Bhada on tel. (952525) 280180.

Dastur who is the panthaky of Seth Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary at Colaba, was born in Tarapore. For the past five years he arranges a jashan and gahanbar on January 26 at this Dharamshala.

Tarapore is 11 km from Boisar railway station on Western Railway and 140 km from Bombay. To reach Boisar from Bombay you can catch Gujarat Express which leaves Bombay Central at 5.45 a.m. or any of the Virar-Dahanu shuttles from Virar. From February 1, 2006 Western Railway has arranged for the Bandra-Surat Intercity Express which leaves Bandra Terminus at 6.55 a.m. to halt at Boisar. From Boisar station you can share a rickshaw which charges Rs 8 to Rs 10 per seat and brings you to Tarapore. There are also ST buses plying between Boisar and Tarapore.

Many eminent Parsis including the brothers Vicajee Meherji and Pestonji Meherji who minted the Pestonshahi coins hailed from Tarapore. These illustrious Parsi merchants once had possession of the old fort at Tara­pore. That famous Parsi delicacy, Tarapori patio, made of dried Bombay Ducks (suka boomla) has its origins from this village. Tarapore has a dakhma which is not in use.

So the next time you go on a pilgrimage to Udvada, Navsari or Surat do remember to visit Tarapore, Dahanu, Zai Bordi, Davier and Daman agiaries. You will enjoy your stay and feel invigorated by the fresh air.

MARZBAN GIARA