Zoroastrian extravaganza

A four-day exhibition on Zoroastrianism, its culture and heritage, organized by Frohar Foundation at Allbless Baug in Bombay from April 20 to 23, 2011, showcased the history of Iranian kings covering the Peshdadian, Kayanian, Achemenian, Parthian and Sassanian dynasties and continuing till the arrival of the Parsis in India. Also on display in this annual exhibition were details of rituals like jashan, navar and maratab, vendidad, muktad, dakhme­nashini (with a model of a dakhma), navjote and wedding ceremonies as well as the story of prophet Zarathushtra and Dasturji Kookadaru, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by the Foundation.

(From l): Ervads Cyrus Dastoor, Pallonji Das­-tur, Dastur (Dr) Pesho-tan Mirza, Ervad (Dr) Soli Dastur and Aban Baria

Exciting tales from Firdausi Toosi’s Shahnameh covering Bizan-Manijeh and the story of Toosi himself along with his statue, courtesy the Iran League, were to be seen. The model of an agiary with details of the sanctum sanctorum with a priest offering sandalwood to the atash padshah and worshippers praying attracted many visitors. Handmade charts by religious scholar Noshir Daboo of Ahmedabad were exhibited, mentions the write-up.

The exhibition also had stalls selling a variety of Zoroastrian artifacts, clothes, eatables. A specially erected stage was used for performances by budding talent every evening from 6.30 p.m. Each day there were lucky draws and prizes distributed for the best performances. The event was sponsored by the Kathawallas and co-sponsored by Godrej and Devi Jewellers (who gave gift coupons to prize winners and performers during the four days).

A thanksgiving ja­shan led by Ervad Hor­maz Dadachanji was performed and the opening day, on April 20, was graced by the presence of Dastur (Dr) Peshotan Mirza of Udvada, his wife Maharukh, Dinshaw Mehta, chairman of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP), Khojeste Mistree, BPP trustee and his wife Feroza. Master of ceremonies Ervad (Dr) Soli Dastur from the USA walked all the young enthusiastic children through the exhibition explaining everything in detail. Then, in the compound of Allbless Baug, students of the Dadar Athornan Institute led a humbandagi and sang a monajat, officially declaring the exhibition open. A play, Ervad Saheb Nadirshah Aibara, directed by Roxan Desai followed, notes the write-up.

Clockwise from top left: Shahrukh Kathawalla, Mahrukh Noble and Shernaaz Engineer (center) listen to a child; Drs Aspi Surveyor and Keiki Mehta; prayers and performances by youngsters

Felicitations of Mirza and other guests of honor followed. The high priest spoke about our history, supplementing what was already on display. Mehta and Mistree spoke briefly and a brochure in memory of founder trustee the late Silloo Mahava was released. The day ended with a solo dance by Pashmin Dee and Bollywood dances by Ahura Gen-X.

Ervad Cyrus Darbari made a power point presentation on the Atash Nyaish on the morning of the second day. That evening children from the Khareghat Colony Youth Association sang songs, conducted by Khorshed Jamooji and Niloufer Kudianawala, followed by a religious song by Nairah Daruwalla. Parinaz Guard, Arzaan and Delna Mehta danced and Jarbanoo Nargolwala with the Godrej Baug group put up a play on the significance of the Asho Farohar.

Yezdi Munsif provided a piece on meditation titled "Tapping the power of subconscious mind” on the third day, followed by an interesting talk by Ervad Parvez Bajan on the migration of the Parsis from Iran to Sanjan. Fatal Fusion, lively band music by Rushad Dastur and his group, Bollywood retro-remix and andante ballet dance were choreographed by Desai. An episode from Humata Hukhta Hvarshta ended the evening’s activities, according to the write-up.

The final day, April 23, commenced with a play on Avan Yazad, Miracles Do Happen, directed by Desai and a talk by Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji on Dastan-e-Jamshed and Johak from the Shahnameh. Song and dance by students of the Lady Engineer School followed. A fusion song by Ahura Gen-X, a Parsi comedy Degree Vagar No Doctor directed by Vistasp Gotla ended the day. Chief guest Shernaaz Engineer was felicitated as were Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla, Mahrukh Noble, Dr Keiki Mehta and his wife Dr Zenobia. The chief guest and guests of honor congratulated Ervad (Dr) Cyrus Dastoor and his Frohar Foundation team for organizing the event year after year and encouraged the audience to uphold the traditions and values of our religion. Ervad Parzan Dastur and Cyrus Pooniwala, masters of ceremony during the event, were thanked for their tireless efforts, as were the trustees of Allbless Baug and Percy Lentin for the stage and arrangements at the exhibition, the write-up concluded.