Events & Personalities
Jashn-e-Navroz
The famed Chahar Bagh Musical Group of Iran was specially flown out to India for Jashn-e-Navroz, the festival of spring which was celebrated by the Indo-Iranian Friendship Society and the Culture House of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Islam Gymkhana, Marine Drive on March 23, 2016, notes a write-up sent to Parsiana by Godrej Dotivala, secretary general of the Society.
An invocation by Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji, panthaky of the Vachaghandhy Agiary was followed by recitation of couplets from the Shahnameh by him in both Persian and Gujarati. Minoo Shroff, president of the Society underlined the remarkable social and economic development in Iran despite sanctions imposed by the western powers (since lifted). Dotivala recalled that the United Nations General Assembly had, on February 23, 2010, declared March 21, the day of the vernal equinox, as the International Day of Navroz. Dr Homi Dhalla made a Power Point presentation on Iranian cultural ambassadors in Iran and India, informs the write-up.
An invocation by Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji, panthaky of the Vachaghandhy Agiary was followed by recitation of couplets from the Shahnameh by him in both Persian and Gujarati. Minoo Shroff, president of the Society underlined the remarkable social and economic development in Iran despite sanctions imposed by the western powers (since lifted). Dotivala recalled that the United Nations General Assembly had, on February 23, 2010, declared March 21, the day of the vernal equinox, as the International Day of Navroz. Dr Homi Dhalla made a Power Point presentation on Iranian cultural ambassadors in Iran and India, informs the write-up.
Above (l-r): Masood Khaleghi (at mike), Ervad Asphandiar Dadachanji, Godrej Dotivala,
Mahdi Zare Bieib, Minoo Shroff, Dr Homi Dhalla; Chahar Bagh musicians from Iran
Mahdi Zare Bieib, director of the Culture House in Bombay stated that Navroz, which stands for new day, is celebrated with éclat in Iran for a fortnight as it marks the advent of spring and rejuvenation and growth of all living things. Chief guest Masood Khaleghi, Iranian consul general in Bombay emphasized that contrary to popular conception, Islam is a religion of peace, harmony and tranquility.
Iranian and Indian folk dances performed by children of Lady Engineer High School regaled the gathering. The evening concluded with refreshments provided by Allarakha Caterers.
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