Celebrations in Nagpur

A games evening, two take-offs on popular TV programs Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Nach Baliye, interesting talks by Nagpur’s own Einstein Farokh Dastoor on "Super Nature and Alien Theory,” and Parsiana editor Jehangir Patel on"International Zoroastrian Community: The Road Ahead” and the distribution of merit, sports and outstanding Parsi achievers prizes, followed by dinner marked the 111th salgirah celebrations of the Bai Hirabai Mullan Dar-e-Meher in Nagpur from October 5 to 8, 2006.

Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi had four pairs of mothers-and-daughters-in-law who were put through a series of hilarious questions and situations to see which ‘saas-bahu’ were most in sync with each other. Jeroo and Jasmine Godha won, with Thrity and Perveez Jaal a close second. Who really made the show a rollicking success was its organizer, the inimitable Khursheed Dalal who outdid many of the regular TV anchors. Shanoor Irani, dynamic general manager of Automotive Manufacturers was the chief guest that evening.

Nach Baliye had the audience stomping for more with both grandchildren and grandparents shaking a leg. There was a very well presented dance jugalbandi (point and counterpoint) between old classics and the re-mix or new avatar of the same song, with contrasts in steps, style and color. The dancers in the older version of the songs dressed in black and white showed the grace of a bygone era. The re-mix version was loud, lively and in vibrant color. All credit to Parizad Major for the concept and execution of this delightful item.

Romance of Yesteryears, choreographed by Ferozy Pestonji and Mamta Kanga, featured a medley of old songs and dances from the days of Nargis and Raj Kapoor, Helen and Nadira. Of the older dancers Mehroo and Khurshed Watchmaker and Peshotan Mehta need special mention for their participation and grace.

The five to 10-year-olds stole every heart with "Dil na diya, dil na liya, pyar na kiya, to kya kiya!” They received an encore and were promptly back on stage with renewed gusto!

(Above) Jashan in progress at Nagpur’s Bai Hirabai Mullan Dar-e-Meher; bust of Jamsetji Tata; (alongside) participants in cultural items at the Dar-e-Meher’s 111th salgirah

Dastoor’s talk gave an interesting insight on how cosmic forces affect our daily life. He said the position of the sun, the moon and the configuration of planets at the time of our birth and every day of our life, has a strong influence on who we are, what we are and how we react to things around us. Describing man’s relation to cosmic forces, he said science has proved that humans are most agitated between high noon and 4 p.m. "Never disturb your wife or ask your boss for a raise between 12 and 4 p.m.,” he joked. The time between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. in Hosh Baam is the period of greatest tranquility. "It is believed that the soul leaves the body and wanders outside. What we remember as dreams are possibly the experiences of our soul on its astral wanderings,” said Dastoor. Keki Bala, past honorary secretary of the Nagpur Anjuman was the chief guest of the evening.

On the final day Patel took the stage to state "Ideas and attitudes have to change with time. Whether it is the formation of a World Body or giving adult franchise to voters in Bombay or giving the community a choice for the disposal of the dead.” Edul F. Bhagwagar, president of the Nagpur and Kamthi Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman was the chief guest on the last and final day of the celebrations. He gave away the Anjuman merit prizes and other sports and special prizes.

Some of the noteworthy winners of the Anjuman prizes were: Ayesha Master, Parinaz Bhamgara, Mehernosh Patel, Tanya Patel, Sammanaz Dastur, Arnavaz Kavarana, Dilshad Bhamgara and Dr. Zubin Bharda for their academic excellence. For sports, the awards went to Danush Doongaji, Farokh Dastoor, Zervin Rana, Nekshad Irani, Peshotan Mehta and Dinshaw Mistry. The last two, octogenarians had participated in the National Arm Wrestling Championships held in Darjeeling in November 2005 and won the trophy in the age 80+ category. Overall sports champions were Girnar Dadina (ladies), Rukshad Siganporia (juniors) and Zubin Bharda (seniors).

Maharukh Mavalwalla and Shanoor Irani constituted the only women’s team to compete in and complete the car rally organized by VARA (Vidarbh Automotive Racing Association).

Shiraz Gimi, president of the Nagpur Parsi Gymkhana, Mehroo Watchmaker the secretary, Rusi Godha, compere of Gymkhana functions and other members of the Gymkhana put in great efforts to ensure the success of the four-day functions. Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar