Magical makeover

Bangalore’s B. J. Entee Parsee Dharam­sala, which had been closed for over four months for badly needed repairs and renovations, was formally declared open on April 17, 2007 by the trustees of The Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman (BPZA) with the traditional cutting of the tape by benefactor Homai Phiroze Palia, followed by a jashan ceremony, as per a write-up forwarded to Parsiana by Phiroze Bharda, president of the Anjuman. Members, present in large numbers at the occasion, were clearly impressed by the magical transformation of the place.

In his speech Bangalore’s high priest, Dastur Nadirshah P. Unvalla, recounted the philanthropy of the donor, late Burjorji Entee who, having expressed his desire to set up a dharamshala, provided the funds. The dharamshala was opened in 1957 and Entee’s munificence is gratefully remembered by the Parsis of the Garden City. After the usual humbandagi prayers, he blessed the gathering and wished the newly renovated dharamshala all success.

The Dharamsala is now equipped with every facility required to provide travelers with the basic comforts. Since the BPZA was badly strapped for funds, the task could not be taken up earlier. Palia, one of the oldest and most respected members of the community there, realizing the need for repairs and aware of the Anjuman’s financial limitations graciously donated the entire amount required for this major project.

Wife of the late Phiroze Palia who had distinguished himself as one of India’s earliest international cricketers, Homai has come to the rescue of the BPZA whenever funds are required for deserving causes. Phiroze contributed to the game as an all-rounder, a national selector and thereafter as player and captain of the team of the erstwhile state of Mysore (now Karnataka), informs Bharda.

Homai Palia does the honors as trustees Phiroze Bharda (left) and Soli Pochkhanawalla look on

Renovating the dharamshala was very complex and time-consuming because of its rundown condition, explains Bharda. With plugging of the leaks, complete rewiring and providing extra geysers, fully renovating the bathrooms with all fixtures, sprucing up the rooms, lounge and dining room, the dharamshala now wears a new look and can be compared with the best in the country. In response to persistent requests from many company executives and others who felt the need for greater comfort, the trustees have added an air-conditioned room. The kitchen too has been completely refurbished with new crockery and equipment.

Realizing the need for professional management, the trustees have placed the dharamshala under a new management, Bharda writes. To facilitate timely and efficient maintenance, the room tariffs have been revised upward, though they still remain well within the common man’s reach. Single occupancy with attached bathroom is Rs 110 per day, with double or more occupancy at Rs 110 per occupant per day. Occupancy without attached bathroom is Rs 95 per day per person. The rate for the only airconditioned room is Rs 750 per day for single occupancy and Rs 1,250 for double occupancy. An additional third person is charged an extra Rs 650 per day. The dharamshala hopes to serve a long felt need of visiting Parsi Zoroastrians who will be welcomed with open arms! It can be contacted C/o The Bangalore Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman, Lady Jehangir Kothari Hall, 3rd Floor, Venkataswamy Naidu Road, Tasker Town, Bangalore 560051. Tel No. 080-41239102. Emergency mobile no. of trustee Soli Pochkhanawalla is: 09844020320.