Merrymaking in March

Over 5,000 Parsi/Irani Zoroastrians gathered in various geographical locations in Bombay to celebrate Jamshedi Navroz easily outnumbering those that collectively celebrate the August New Year. While Pateti crowds gather at theaters to guffaw at Parsi nataks (plays), the March gatherings are outdoors and consist of speeches, performances, events and a sumptuous dinner at reasonable rates.

The Dadar Parsi Colony’s Mancherji Edalji Joshi Trust’s 28th Festival of Spring — 2008 was attended by an unprecedented 3,500 guests, informs trustee Mahiyar Dastoor. The Navroz gahanbar there has achieved "iconic status” with support and sponsorship from wellwishers.

The prize for the famous gara raffle was a gorgeous specimen in memory of the late Naju Davar presented by her daughter, Farzeen Cyrus Boomla. Other prizes were given by the House of Godrej. Proceeds from the raffle are used for building a poor Parsi farmer’s house every year in the interior of Gujarat through Bachi and Dinshaw Tamboly of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust, the report informs. A special award was given to Bachi, "the tough lady with a soft heart,” for her dynamic social work.

The evening’s function began with the "Welcome” number by the children of the Dharmagnyan class, trained by Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia, principal of the Dadar Athornan Madressa who runs the class for the Joshi Trust. This activity, supported by Shernaz Talati, Hufrish Bamji and Marzban Mehta is sponsored by Roshan, Piyoo and Sanober Nanavati. Mithoo Jimi Jesia, trustee and honorary secretary of the Trust welcomed Dastur Khurshed Kekobad Dastoor of Udvada, chief guest Dr Mehroo Bengalee, member, National Minorities Commission and others on the dais.

Awards were presented to outstanding Parsi achievers, including Dr Beheram Jal Bunshah, Dadar’s popular family physician, Dr Zirak Marker, renowned child psychologist and Tanya Sam Balsara, computer educationist, who despite being visually impaired, runs Bombay’s only computer institute for the visually challenged.

And then it was time for Nostalgia 2008 — a journey of song and dance through time. As the lights dimmed and giant audio-visual screens came alive, the show, directed by Arnaaz Rustom Irani, opened with the performance of Mauja Mauja by children. Parsi humor was evident with gags by veteran stage performer Jehangir Karkaria who regaled the crowd with able support from upcoming stage actor Mahiyar "Max” Panthaky.

A fireworks display by Anil Fireworks and singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti and the National Anthem concluded the show. Thereafter, it was time for dancing until the call of Jamva chalo ji and great food supplied by Tanaz Godiwalla.

Cusrow Baug in Colaba celebrated Jamshedi Navroz in style with Equinox 2008 organized by The Cusrow Baug United Sports and Welfare League at the Sir Cusrow Wadia Pavilion. Over 500 persons present, mostly residents of the Baug, were welcomed by Ratoo Dastur, the League’s president, who spoke of the goals set by the newly elected managing committee, as per a write-up sent to Parsiana by Khushroo Mistry. Sports and welfare activities will receive added impetus, Dastur informed, and security arrangements will be revamped.

The exciting variety entertainment program, compered by Jamshed Daboo, commenced with the song I am proud to be a Zoroastrian and progressed through several items including a malkhamb demonstration by Roshni Dadachanji.

Between items former Mr India Shyam Rathe and his pupil Vishvanath Gowde showed off their massive musculature, impressing the viewers, especially the young boys present, the write-up informs.

Each attendee had a go at the lucky dip through the donor cards, and then there was an exodus to the meal tables which groaned under the weight of 21 mouth-watering items, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, provided by Bhol Caterers.

The scene now shifts to the Parsee Gymkhana at Marine Lines. This year over 1,000 persons, comprising members and their families, enjoyed the fun-filled evening. At 5 pm a jashan was performed by Gymkhana members Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji and his son Hormuzd. And then came dancing to a DJ’s beat. Catering was by Mini Punjab Caterers whose excellent starters and dinner were enjoyed by all, as per a report forwarded to Parsiana by honorary secretary P. C. Cooper.