Enlightening exhibition

One of the highlights of "Mazdayasni Zarthushtis — Then and Now,” an exhibition organized by the Frohar Foundation at Bombay’s Allbless Baug in April 2009, was the display of charts titled Parsika by Ahmedabad based scholar on Zoroastrianism, Noshir Daboo. This information was made available in a write-up sent to Parsiana by the Frohar Foundation.

Dastur Khurshed Dastoor of Udvada’s Iranshah, the chief guest who inaugurated the four-day exhibition on the evening of April 13, said he was impressed by the efforts to put together a clear perspective of Zoroastrian history with the help of photographs, texts and models. He, however, expressed disappointment at the poor turnout at the exhibition. Master of ceremonies Homi Ranji introduced the dignitaries and welcomed the visitors. Dastoor was felicitated by Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji, chairman of the Foundation, and presented with a shawl and garland. Dastoor’s wife Havovi also received floral tributes, as did other guests, the write-up mentions. Marzban Mehta sang Parsi songs to entertain the audience.

The exhibition had several sections displaying different aspects of the religion and the community. One of these dealt with the basic rituals such as the jashan ceremony; inner liturgical ceremonies such as the yasna, symbolized by the stone hindoras on which items required for the ritual are placed; muktads, represented by the setting up of actual marble tables holding vases with flowers in them. There was a model of a dakhma, with a small vulture perched on the wall as well as a solar concentrator. The model of the gumbaj (sanctum sanctorum) of an agiary came in for praise from many while items used in the navjote and marriage ceremonies were placed on a separate stage. A large display section on the sudreh explained each and every part of this holy vestment, the write-up notes.

Another part of the exhibition covered the history of Zoroastrianism from Peshdadian times, through all the subsequent dynasties, up to the landing of the Parsis in India. Large two-dimensional creations focused on the major kings of each dynasty, with accompanying texts providing information on the time period of each, their main rulers, major landmarks and achievements. The next section featured Parsis after they landed in Gujarat, with pictures of the Sanjan excavation site provided by Dr Homi Dhalla of the World Zarathushti Cultural Foundation. Also displayed were photographs of Parsi achievers who have contributed immensely to the development of India, pre and post Independence.

Clockwise (from top l): three displays at the Frohar Foundation exhibition; Erach Desai, Ervad Aspandiar Dadachanji, Ervad Yezdi Panthaki and Dastur Khurshed Dastoor; Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza and Ervad Cyrus Dastoor

Episodes of the tele-serial Humata Hukhta Hvarshta and a short film covering its highlights titled A Spiritual Journey were shown on a large screen in an audiovisual room with CDs available to acquaint visitors with this project of the Foundation.

On April 14, master of ceremonies Nazneen Govadia introduced chief guest Ervad Burjor Antia, solicitor and former Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) trustee. Antia congratulated the Foundation for the graphic displays and mentioned that the exhibition should journey throughout India and the globe. On April 15 Jaeza Irani compered an evening of Hindi drama. Ishwar tum kabhi aogé was performed by students of the Gamadia Girls High School. A yoga demonstration by these girls was also well received, the write-up reveals. That evening, as on the previous two, the audience was served pani puri and chaat, compliments of Mini Punjab restaurant.

Chief guest at the closing ceremony on April 16, Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza of Iranshah, Udvada, traced the history of Zoroastrians from ancient times and provided a lucid explanation for the rituals. He appealed to the community to remain united and not become involved in useless controversies. Boys and girls from Zoroastrian Colony performed dances, followed by Parsi and Hindi songs rendered by Mehta and his group. Cyrus Pooniwala was master of ceremonies on that day while Ervad Cyrus Dastoor, managing trustee of the Foundation, voiced a vote of thanks, the write-up reveals. The singing of ChhaiyéHamé Zarathoshti was followed by dinner catered by Rayomand Khambatta.

Frohar Foundation has expressed appreciation of Jennifer Dinshaw for her artwork on the Iranian dynasties, Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia for the accompanying text, Dhalla for material on the Sanjan landing, Ervad Homi Govadia for explaining things to visitors and Ervads Dadachanji and Pallonji Dastoor for the loan of religious implements and materials. The Foundation has also placed on record its gratitude to sponsor Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla, co-sponsors Godrej Industries Limited, Jeena and Company, BPP chairman emeritus Jamshed Guzder, businessman Cyrus Guzder and all donors. Cyrus Dastoor said this exhibition was put up to spread awareness, for there are many misconceptions among both Zoroastrians as well as non-Zoroastrians about our rituals, especially dakhmenashini.