Spate of gahanbars

In Bombay there has been a spate of gahanbars during the last few months. Donors sponsor gahanbars, bapornu or raatnu (afternoon or night) meals, in memory of the souls of their dear departed at venues like Albless Baug, Cama Baug or Palamkot Hall in Dadar. Often, at men’s gahanbars, there is a big rush for seats, such as we see at navjote and wedding receptions. There were special gahanbars for ladies and children, boys and girls.

Why do Parsis flock to gahanbars? Is it because we get free food? Is it because we meet our relatives, acquaintances and friends at these gatherings? Are there any other reasons for attending gahanbars of which the writer is not aware and on which Parsiana readers may throw some light?

Gahanbars are also held outside Bombay at places like Dahanu, Nargol, Gandevi, Billimora, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch (famous for its akuri) as also Junglewasi no Gahanbar. These are quite simple affairs which nearly every Parsi residing in the town or village would attend. The fare offered is simple but tasty. It would consist of a side dish (with plenty of fresh mutton) with hot rotlis, followed by masala ni dar and vagharela chawal (brown rice) served in a topli (wicker basket). Before prohibition people were served mahura-nu-daru (liquor made from the mahura flower) in small vatikas (cups without handles) or toddy in tumblers.

Just as the older generation still hankers after Polson’s butter, it also relishes topli-na chawal.

BHIKHAJI M. ADENWALLA

Gallant officer

During the Quit India movement in 1942, a young Parsi army officer, Capt T. B. Dadachanji, refused to open fire on a group of protestors. When questioned by his superiors he replied, "I joined the Army to fight the Germans, not to kill my own countrymen.”

The British were all set to court-martial him when wiser counsel prevailed and it was decided to allow him to resign quietly rather than highlight and advertise great dissent in the armed forces during wartime.

Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy at the time, mentioned this incident in a telegram to his superiors in England and went on to say complimentary things about Parsis in general, but added that they were eccentric.

Would the gallant officer now identify himself and let us have his version of events? Or can any other reader tell us about Dadachanji and what he did after leaving the Army?

Vice Admiral (Retd) R. K. S. GHANDHI