Parsis and Bandra Fair

Few people are aware of the Parsi connection with the week-long Bandra Fair held at the Mount Mary Basilica every year following the feast of the Virgin Mary on September 8. Local historian Fr Francis Correa was quoted by The Times of India (TOI) on September 19, 2011, the day after the Fair concluded, as saying that Sir Jamshedji Jejeebhoy, first baronet, played a significant role in ensuring that pilgrims were able to visit the shrine in safety. Since it was dangerous to cross the creek during the monsoon, Jejeebhoy built a causeway connecting Mahim and Bandra.

Lady Avabai Jejeebhoy (top) and Mount Mary Basilica (below)

According to Correa, who had consulted Parsi community sources, the Jejeebhoys had many sons but none of their daughters survived. Learning of Lady Avabai Jejeebhoy’s longing for a girl child the daughter of Sir Roger Faria, a Bombay businessman, advised her to write her wish on a piece of paper and leave it at the feet of the statue of the Virgin Mary at the Basilica. Avabai’s wish was granted and a girl was born to her in 1834. When the child was eight years old there was a storm during which 20 boats capsized while crossing the creek. Avabai decided that the family would pay for the construction of a causeway, fulfilling the vow she had made at the shrine. The causeway, which bears her name (in the abbreviated form LJ), was completed in 1845 at a total cost of Rs 1,57,000 with a stipulation that no toll would be charged to citizens by the government for its use, as per information available on the internet. The family also provided half the amount required to build the steps leading to the shrine three years later, the TOI mentions.