Celebrations in Poona

Bright and intricate kor ni saris mingled with Western outfits, daglis shook hands with suits and jeans wished trousers at a fashion show organized by the Zoroastrian Youth Association (ZYA), Poona headed by Kayomarz Gazder on the occasion of Khordad Sal, at the Sardar Dastur School on August 25, 2007. The evening’s entertainment began with the late Soonu Doctor’s choir. Doctor’s faith in God and love for music were epitomized through her choir that welcomed one and all. The 10 member choir sang a monajat, Ashem Vohu and Yatha Ahu Vairyo which reverberated through the 600-plus audience. The Zarathushti anthem set the mood for the evening. After the singing came instrumental music with Paricher Marker playing the violin and Dallas Irani, his rock guitar.

The showstopper was the glamorous fashion show which followed with six sequences ranging from ethnic to eveningwear. The ethnic sequence comprised of vibrant colors and smooth textures while the gara and dagli round showcased our culture passed down from generation to generation. It was a delight to watch the young at heart walk the ramp. Formal office wear, funky casual wear and sassy evening dresses elicited a big round of catcalls. Not to be left behind were the kids, including one-and-a half-year-old Parinaz who proudly walked the ramp with her dad. Styled by Kaitayun Khosravijaam and Parisha Jijina, the outfits were sponsored by Westside.

Clockwise, from left: fashion show, singing and dancing at the Khordad Sal function in Poona

The J. N. Petit School boys present looked cool in their light blue and grey uniforms. They danced their hearts out to a medley of songs with appreciative whistles and loud clapping egging them on. Shiraz Irani’s troupe of energetic girls matched them to the tee with another medley of foot tapping numbers.

Prizes of meal vouchers from various five star hotels, watches from Pyramid, gift vouchers from Westside and Dorabjee’s were given to surprised and elated Zoroastrians. The Poona Parsi Panchayat felicitated deserving candidates who had secured 70 percent and above in the SSC, ICSE and HSC exams. The ZYA’s show was ably compered by Shiraz Irani and Mehraab Patalwala, making the evening a memorable one. No Parsi event can be complete without good food, and this one was no exception.

Khursheed Dinshaw