Dhansak dreams

Showcasing the evolution of Parsi fashions and aspects of their lifestyle, Dhansak Dreams – a Parsi way of life, was recently staged at the Nagpur Dharamsala. Organized by the Nagpur Parsi Gymkhana, the fashion show cum dinner was attended by over 300 Parsis and non-Parsis and managed to raise Rs 60,000 from the sale of tickets, sponsorships and donations, notes a write-up of the event by Gymkhana president Shiraz Gimi. Further, Aspi Bapuna announced a donation of Rs 50,000 to the Gymkhana for the Bapuna Sports Fund.

The items were choreographed by Havovi Govadia with inputs from Nerges Desai and Tauby Bhagwagar. Garas galore, jari borders on saris, kids’ blouses and jackets, coats and tops from old garas, embroidered borders on blouses, ijars and jhablas, fantasy on lace saris, long lace sudrehs worn with petticoats and ijars, ardha pat-ni-saris, priests in traditional and modern jamas kept the audiences enthralled. Recreating the ambience of earlier years were the fascinating tableaux depicting a family portrait (circa 1900), ladies of a family attending to religious chores, a couple influenced by European garbs, triumphant Parsi cricket team of yore and ladies playing musical instruments in the 1930s.

Participants of Dhansak Dreams (middle) and tableaux of family portrait (above), cricket team (below left) and lady musicians

Stage and decoration was in the hands of Rusi Godha, sound and lights by Purvaze Buxy of Vibrations Unlimited and backstage assistance was by Prochi Kotwal. The commentary for the lively show was by Khurshid Dalal and Gimi. The Dharamsala lawns were offered free of charge by the Nagpur Parsi Anjuman, acknowledge the Gymkhana office bearers. The sumptuous Parsi dinner served on banana leaves was catered by Mehroo Watchmaker, notes the press release.