Slow socializing

With lockdowns being eased to varying degrees in many cities, various Parsi social organizations are slowly beginning to open their doors to members. In Calcutta "members were very keen to come to the (Calcutta Parsee) Club (CPC)… Being isolated for so many months it was the older members who were the first to come out. But they maintained social distancing and all the new protocols,” said president Prochy Mehta to Parsiana on December 5, 2020. The 112-year-old Club reopened in late October after the necessary sanitization processes. Catering services are not available. "Of course, there is a demand for lili chai (lemon grass tea). Maybe we will think about it,” Mehta stated. Most evenings there is a "picnic atmosphere at CPC. The older lot (enjoy) their sandwiches, tea and snacks brought from home which are offered to all present,” she said. "Then it is chitchat time after the picnic, with masks on.”
"We trust our members and associates to be aware of the threat…especially to our aging community, and act with care, courtesy, caution and responsibility,” noted a standard operating procedure shared by Mehta with Parsiana. Nannies, personal attendants, outside vendors are not allowed. No team sports are allowed, and no outside teams are to be invited to play any sport, continued the notice. "The gym should not be used until further notice… Catering services may be introduced in due course,” stated the note.

Top: Bombay’s Parsee Gymkhana; above: members at Calcutta Parsee Club

Of the 400+ community members in the eastern city, Mehta noted that "about 24 people come on weekdays, some come early morning, some walk in the early afternoon and some early evening.” The participation doubles over weekends.
Between March and end November 2020, the Club held 130 online events ranging from interviews, music programs and quizzes (see "Grounded but bonded,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, April 7- July 6. 2020). Will these continue? "No, they won’t… Just maybe for Christmas and New Year,” entertainment in charge Behnaz Balsara Dugar stated.
Bombay’s Parsee Gymkhana partially reopened on November 17 "with skeletal services and minimal staff,” noted a circular dated November 4, on their website. Members’ guests are not permitted. The gymnasium, card room and billiards room are out of bounds. "The caterer is not yet equipped to serve multiple dishes, only sandwiches, coffee, etc, noted Rustom Jasoomoney, committee member and gymnasium secretary in conversation with Parsiana on December 4.
The Zoroastrian Club of Secunderabad and Hyderabad reopened its doors on September 28, president Roomie Vakil told Parsiana. "Between 10 and 15 Zoroastrians do visit but there are no functions or activities and no games… in short, no events… the athletic competitions have been put on hold,” he noted.
Xerxes Dastur, trustee and chairman of the managing committee of Bombay’s Ripon Club told Parsiana on December 3 that they would reopen only when the government lifted all restrictions. The caterer is short staffed as their workers have gone back to their homes in other cities. "We need to remember that most of our members are seniors, and their safety is to be ensured,” he stated.