BPA’s kusti, prayer contests

More than 320 participants ranging in age from four to 82 years took part in the 90th prayer, kusti weaving and spinning competitions held by the Bombay Parsee Association (BPA) at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI) on February 7, 2010, as per a write-up received from BPA president Vispi Dastur. The competitions were sponsored by the Kathawallas, and the Navaz Jimi Kathawalla Memorial Prizes will be presented to the winners at the annual function of the BPA to be held at Allbless Baug on December 4, 2010, Dastur notes.

(Top) Vispi Dastur at mike with judges and (above) with BPA office bearers and sponsors; (bottom) priests judge prayer competition

The prayer competitions were judged in groups arranged standard-wise for school going children. The older participants were grouped age wise. A separate classification was created for students of the two madressas and for non-madressa navars and maratabs. All those who took part in the prayer and kusti spinning contests were given snacks and chocolates, while the kusti weaving participants were provided tea, lunch and taxi fare to and from the venue. The prayer contests were judged by eminent priests, and the kusti competitions by Tehmina Buhariwalla and Zarine Patel.

The function that followed the competitions began with a humbandagi by Dadar Athornan Institute students. Dastur welcomed the athornans, chief guest Mahrukh Noble and guest of honor advocate Azmin Irani, judges and religious teachers including Ratamai Peer. He lauded the Katha-wallas for their munificence. Noble appreciated the services rendered by Dastur and other office bearers of the BPA. Ervads (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia and Yezdi Aibara voiced their opinion on the performance of the participants, Aloo Shroff read out the list of prize winners and Adale Patel gave a vote of thanks. The function concluded with the singing of Chhaiyé Hamé Zarthoshti and the national anthem.