Despite the fact that it has been more than 13 centuries since the first Parsis arrived on the shores of Gujarat looking for refuge from mistreatment, this “homecoming” is still celebrated by the group with an enthusiasm that gives a false representation of concerns of their waning numbers and graying demographics.
On Sunday evening, 200-odd Parsis of the 700 that call NCR home, assembled at the Mengusi Parsi Dharamshala close ITO in a capacity that praises the crucial crossroads in the group’s history.
“Navroze is praised on March 21, a date assigned by the United Nations, and is the genuine Parsi New Year. This festival, which is more often than not around the second week of August — relying upon whether it is a jump year — marks our landing in India and the foundation of Sanjan in Gujarat, the first Zoroastrian group in the nation,” Dadi Mistry, benefactor and previous president of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman said.
The visitor of honor for the night was Najma Heptulla, Minister for Minority Affairs, whose respect for both the Parsis and their nourishment go once more to when she used to live in Mumbai. She was invited in the conventional Parsi way — with wreaths and the throwing of an eedu (egg) for good fortunes.
Talking about eggs, the evening’s repast was arranged by Dhun Dariaus Bugli, whose family has been dealing with the Dharamshala and its culinary bastion, Parsi Anjuman, for more than six decades.
“We will be serving conventional dishes, for example, sheep pulao, dhansak and patra ni machchi (fish steamed in banana leaf) and in addition a few choices for veggie lovers”, Bugli said. For treat, there was Parsi kulfi.
On one corner of the lobby were a couple of tables displayed with handbags, shawls and different extras decorated with Parsi themes.
“There is a considerable measure of imagery in Zoroastrianism, with each bloom speaking to a blessed messenger with diverse blossoms for every day of the week.
We need to keep this art alive by utilizing customary themes as a part of ordinary things,” Debpriya Das of the Parzoz Foundation, which was retailing the specialties, said.
Law specialist Fali S Nariman was respected at the capacity.