Eating together
Ahmedabad’s young and old Parsis at the community meal
Though the concept of having Sheri Nu Jaman has been followed by the community in many places in south Gujarat, particularly in Navsari and Surat, Ahmedabad, which has the third largest Parsi population in Gujarat after those cities had just three annual gahanbars held in memory of individual donors and hosted by the APP, mentions the email.
About 250 humdins from all age groups enjoyed lunch comprising ravo, masala dar (with generous helpings of ghee topping it), gor sarka nu kachubar and hot rotlis catered by Malcolm Bastawala. A token fee of Rs 5 was charged in order to arrive at an approximate count of attendees and the sum was later donated to the kathi fund of the APP which helped in hosting the lunch.
Though the idea was new to the people of Ahmedabad, for many senior citizens who had their roots in Navsari, Surat and other south Gujarat towns it felt like they were revisiting their childhood when they had frequently enjoyed such Sheri Nu Jamans in their own mohallas and baugs. The frugal but satisfying vegetarian fare in the company of fellow community members at a time of day when they would have normally been watching television with their families was very well received and most people left the hall smiling, the email notes.
Behram Mehta kindly provided complimentary Aava mineral water for the Sheri nu Jaman. No waiters were hired; the service was undertaken by youngsters under the leadership of the Parsi Youth League of Ahmedabad. More such gatherings and events can help in bringing the fragmented and divided community closer together — and what better than food as the unifying factor!