Readers' Forum
Gahanbar volunteers
Amongst the many Zoroastrian bodies across India doing acts of charity and service is a group of enthusiastic volunteers who call themselves The Poona Parsee Ghambar Volunteers. Members of the group range in age from the very young to the elderly and come from all walks of life — businessmen, bank professionals, students and housewives. They help members of the community during gahanbars, thanksgiving dinners in remembrance of departed ones. Headed by Ervad Ardaviraf Sinor and the undersigned, president of the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations, the group is informed well in advance and sometimes more volunteers turn up than are required.
Many people forget the reason for which they have been invited for such an occasion and not only don fancy outfits but also forget to cover their heads, as is prescribed in our religious texts. Whilst most Zarthoshtis attending gahanbars return satisfied and thankful, a few disgruntled elements create a scene and demand bigger botis (pieces of meat) and better service. However, our volunteers have been instructed to ignore such comments and continue with their service.
As compared to the past, where Parsi women would gather to prepare the meal, gahanbars have taken on a very sophisticated aspect now. Caterers are hired to prepare complex meals, the tables are laid out and food is traditionally eaten on banana leaves, which is not only in vogue but is a treat for non-Parsis attending gahanbars. Earlier, at the end of the meal dry fruits were handed out in small plastic pouches. This has been replaced by serving kulfi and giving chocolates to the attendees.
At a recent gahanbar in Poona new volunteer Khushnum Motafram said, "Rather than just eating at the gahanbar like I always did, it felt great to be on the other side helping with the serving for a change. Running around to attend to the needs of the guests made me enjoy the experience even more.”
With the stentorian call of "Jamva chalo ji” by the loudest volunteer, Framroze Taraporewalla, an officer with the Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank, the sound system too can be avoided!
If there’s a gahanbar in Poona and you see Zoroastrians in uniform, you’ll know they are members of The Poona Parsee Ghambar Volunteers.
Many people forget the reason for which they have been invited for such an occasion and not only don fancy outfits but also forget to cover their heads, as is prescribed in our religious texts. Whilst most Zarthoshtis attending gahanbars return satisfied and thankful, a few disgruntled elements create a scene and demand bigger botis (pieces of meat) and better service. However, our volunteers have been instructed to ignore such comments and continue with their service.As compared to the past, where Parsi women would gather to prepare the meal, gahanbars have taken on a very sophisticated aspect now. Caterers are hired to prepare complex meals, the tables are laid out and food is traditionally eaten on banana leaves, which is not only in vogue but is a treat for non-Parsis attending gahanbars. Earlier, at the end of the meal dry fruits were handed out in small plastic pouches. This has been replaced by serving kulfi and giving chocolates to the attendees.
At a recent gahanbar in Poona new volunteer Khushnum Motafram said, "Rather than just eating at the gahanbar like I always did, it felt great to be on the other side helping with the serving for a change. Running around to attend to the needs of the guests made me enjoy the experience even more.”
With the stentorian call of "Jamva chalo ji” by the loudest volunteer, Framroze Taraporewalla, an officer with the Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank, the sound system too can be avoided!
If there’s a gahanbar in Poona and you see Zoroastrians in uniform, you’ll know they are members of The Poona Parsee Ghambar Volunteers.
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