Delhi Parsis

the official website of the parsis in delhi, gurgaon and noida

Sunshine Boys – A Charity Show

Posted by delhiparsi on 29 June, 2009

The Amateur Performers Bureau (APB) unveiled its maiden production in April this year. The adaptation of Neil Simon’s “Sunshine Boys” was performed at the India Habitat Centre to critical acclaim and received a standing ovation.

The Sunshine Boys will be staged again at the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 730 pm

All proceeds of the show will go to a charity “Cankids … Kidscan” which is working with kids who have cancer and their families. Admissions are priced at Rs. 500, Rs. 400 and Rs. 250.

For seat reservations or other information feel free to write to percy@apbonline.in

“The 90 minute comedy is about two retired perfomers, Fali Daruwala & Gurvinder Galgotia. The “Fali & Guri” show was the most popular comedy on television for many long years. Guri’s sudden retirement left Fali bitter & lonely. When Fali’s nephew persuades the pair to come together once again after 11 years, the old resentments and idiosyncracies resurface with a vengeance leading to a hilarious episode of mismatched expectations.”

P.S. APB is a non-profit engaged in promoting performing and visual arts. APB will not accept donations or grants from private parties or the government in any form or manner.

Posted in Parsi Culture | Leave a Comment »

The correct way of performing the Kushti Prayers: Via ParsiKhabar

Posted by delhiparsi on 16 February, 2009

All of us Parsis, including me, perform the Kusthi prayers every day. I for one always wonder if I am doing it right, and whether I have unconsciously deviated over time to a method convenient to me…

My ‘wondering’ became even more relevant when my mom started teaching my kids their Kusthi prayers in preparation for their upcoming Navjote. I suddenly realised that my mom prays a little different from me, and the prayer CD I got for them to follow, was even more different in intonation and pronounciation!

So when I saw this post on ParsiKhabar by Arzam Sam Wadia, I was delighted as it told me that I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and I immediately wanted to share it here with all our readers who might be asking the same questions as I was.

So here it is – the right way to perform the Kushti prayers, with nothing left out. Via Parsi Khabar.

“The Paadyaab is an important step while performing the Kushti. The Kushti is incomplete without doing the Paadyaab first i.e. while reciting Kshnaothra Ahurahe Mazdao. Ashem Vohu (1) wash the exposed parts of the body hands and arms, face and feet (if open)… read the rest of the article here>>

Posted in Parsi Prayers, Zoroastrianism | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Wah Taj!

Posted by delhiparsi on 18 December, 2008

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel in Mumbai is not just iconic of the city, it is a part of Indian history, and holds a special place in the hearts of Parsis world over.

A lot of us have lived at “The Taj!” at some point of time, and it pained us awefully to see the damage caused by the dastardly act of terrorists recently.

Which is why we are proud of the fact that the Taj reopened on the 21st of December 2008 – symbolic of the courage and indomitable spirit of the nation.

“The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel offers 268 guest rooms, including nine suites and 26 Taj Club Rooms, all in the tower wing.”

All of us Members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman wish the entire Management and Staff of the Taj Hotels all the very best, and promise that many of us will be staying with you in the near future!

Read more about the opening, here at the Taj Hotels website, and here via MSN News.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | 1 Comment »

Delhi Dar-e-Meher Anniversary

Posted by delhiparsi on 18 December, 2008

our Dar-e-Meher

our Dar-e-Meher

 

 

The Delhi Parsi Anjuman is celebrating its Agiary Salgira this year on Friday 19 December 2008 – Amardad Mahino, Ardibehsht Roj.

We hope everyone, young and old, will join in large numbers to make this celebration of our Dar-e-Meher a memorable one.

On this happy occasion our Young Farohars invite you to an Exhibition Showcasing “Parsi religion and Culture”.  The young children have put in a lot of effort and look forward to explaining what they are learning to each and every one of you. They will also be singing some Monajats and request you to join them.

At the last AGM it was decided that a photograph of Late Lt Gen Adi Sethna would be put up in the Bhiwandiwala Hall, with the photographs of the other Patrons of the DPA. The unveiling of the photograph will also take place on the auspicious occasion of the Agiary Salgira.

The Programme is as follows:

9.00 am           Jashan at the Dar-E-Meher
7.00 pm           Maha Macchi & Hum Bandagi
7.30 pm           Farohar Children’s Exhibition
8.50 pm           Monajats singing by the Farohars with Audience participation
9.00 pm           Unveiling of the Portrait of Late Lt Gen Adi Sethna former President of DPA
9.15 pm           Dinner (against payment, per head) 

Note: This event is for Members of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and their guests only. If you are a DPA Member and interested in joining the celebrations, please give your names latest by Wed 16 Dec 2008 to  Mrs Dhun Bagli at the Dharamshala.

Posted in DPA Announcement, DPA Celebrations, DPA Events | Leave a Comment »

Advertising in the Delhi Parsi Anjuman Directory

Posted by delhiparsi on 15 December, 2008

The new updated Directory of the DPA (Delhi Parsi Anjuman) is to be published very shortly. The directory is a much used publication, an excellent reference resource for all members of our Anjuman whether Local or Outstation. Copies of this edition are also sent to Various Anjumans in India and Associations Abroad for use as reference by their members.

This time we thought we could keep a few pages for advertisements or messages. The main aim is to provide an opportunity to allow members and their friends to let all the other members know of the Business, Enterprises or Services available. Your advertisement in our Directory will reach out to a large number of people in the community and through them to their friends and associates.

Besides, Parsis are known to be educated, affluent people with generous lifestyles and purchasing power. Hence it makes sense for brands and corporates to communicate with them.

As we plan to bring out the Directory in December 2008, if you are interested in advertising in it, please write to delhiparsis@gmail.com immediately stating your interest and the relevant person from our side will revert to you and take things forward.

Posted in DPA Announcement, Misc Info | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

WZCC World Zoroastrian Congress, Dubai 2009

Posted by delhiparsi on 14 December, 2008

The World Zoroastrian Congress 2009 will be held in Dubai from the 28th to 31st of December 2009.

For more information and for delegate reservation information, please visit the official World Zoroastrian Congress 2009 website.

http://www.wzcongress.org/

http://www.wzcongress.org/

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The Parsis of South Bombay

Posted by delhiparsi on 14 December, 2008

By Aakar Patel, in The News

“No Indian community internalised the civilising mission of the British as did the Parsis. Only 50,000 remain, mainly in South Bombay, the most disciplined and cultured part of India. In South Bombay, the cutting of lanes by drivers is punished, jumping a red light is impossible, parking is possible only in allotted areas, roads are clean, service is efficient, the restaurants are unmatched – civilisation seems within reach. South Bombay has some of the finest buildings in India, many of them built by Parsis…

continue reading the original article here >>

Posted in Mumbai Parsis, Parsi Culture | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Chhaiye Amey Zarthosti – The Words

Posted by delhiparsi on 2 September, 2008

Last month, we posted a video of the song Chhaiye Amey Zarthosti (We are Zoroastrians). This post has received a lot of visitors and comments from people appreciating the fact that they can now hear it online.

One such visitor, Parvez J Daruwala of Mumbai actually took the time out to send us the words of the song, courtesy the Zoroastrian Youth Association. Thank you Mr. Daruwala. I am sharing the same with our readers here online.

Gujarati

Chhaiye humay Zarthosti
Re Mazdayasni nek
Kul jehan sathe dosti-
Rakhiye nibhavye tek.
Mootthi bhar aa tolo
Saoo elam no sangar.
Re bol bala bolo
Oh, saoo nur ne nar.

(CHORUS)
O tokham Kyani! O jug mashoor!
O saoo sud goon ma sacchi ne bhurpoor!
Kayem rahi jalavjo shoobh tooj no jom
Abadi sathe jivjo Parsi kom!

Baholi sukhavat hathe
Dechhe jugut jaher;
Bahu chunchulai saathe
Saoo vatma meher.
Goozari japhao bhari
To pun na chhodio dharam:
Tethi muli rubiari
Tej khuro chhe bharam!

(CHORUS)
O tokham Kyani! O jug mashoor!
O saoo sud goon ma sacchi ne bhurpoor!
Kayem rahi jalavjo shoobh tooj no jom
Abadi sathe jivjo Parsi kom!


The English translation

We are all Zarthostis
Good Mazdayasnis we
The whole world our friend is-
Let’s keep our dignity.
Our Group is a handful and no more
In learning still we score
Its glory and its great fame
Let all of us proclaim.

(CHORUS)
O Kyani descendants! O world renowned!
O Truthful ones-where all virtues abound!
May ye live for ever and glorious fame befall
With perfection ever, O ye Parsis all!

That you give in widespread charity
This whole wide world doth know;
With large hearted generosity
For all, your mercy doth flow.
Through great trials have you cleft
Yet your faith has never left:
Therefore the guidance for you is His
A Divine Blessing is this.

(CHORUS)
O Kyani descendants! O world renowned!
O Truthful ones-where all virtues abound!
May ye live for ever and glorious fame befall
With perfection ever, O ye Parsis all!

>>You can see the video by clicking here<<

Posted in Parsi Culture, Zoroastrianism | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

WZCC Coming Together Roundtable & 2008 AGM

Posted by delhiparsi on 1 September, 2008

The World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) is holding its 2008 “Coming Together Roundtable”, 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Zarathushti Heritage & Cultural Center from December 28th to 31st 2008 in Houston, Texas, USA.

The four day event that includes a day trip to San Antonio, a visit to an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, a WZCC awards dinner and a grand party to ring in the New Year 2009. For those who want to make a family vacation out of this event, a special 4 day Western Caribbean cruise is also available.  

The Coming Together Roundtable

The idea of holding a “Coming Together Roundtable” emerged in London as the legacy of the Zoroastrian World Congress organized by the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe. Our sincere thanks go to the hosts Dorab Mistry and Paurush Jilla.  Since then two other Roundtables were held in Mumbai in January 2007, and January 2008. The next roundtable is scheduled from 10am to 4pm on 31st December 2008.

The Roundtable is a meeting place for Zarathushtis worldwide where items of common interest affecting the worldwide Zarathushti community are discussed and action items identified with owners who will work as facilitators with like minded volunteers to develop those themes.

The WZCC AGM

The Agenda for the 2008 AGM is as follows:

Saturday, December 27, 2008
7:00pm        Pre-AGM Global Director’s Meeting

Sunday, December 28, 2008
10:00am  WZCC Global AGM – Session I
01:00pm  Lunch ($15)
02:00pm  WZCC Global AGM – Session II
05:00pm         Break off for the day

Monday, December 29, 2008
09:00am         Full Day Trip to San Antonio ($50)

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
10:00am         Visit Star Oil Rig in Galveston ($23)
02:30pm         Post-AGM Global Directors’ Meeting
08:00pm         Awards, Entertainment, and Dinner ($15)

Wednesday, December 31, 2008
10:00am         Coming Together Roundtable – Session I
12:30pm         Lunch (Hosted By ZAH)
01:30pm         Coming Together – Session II
04:00pm         Break off for the day
08:00pm         New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance ($60)

Thursday, January 01, 2009
04:00pm        Four Day Western Caribbean Cruise, from Galveston, Texas.

Registration – AGM and Roundtable

Registration package with fees and accommodation information is attached here. Please fill the same and send it to the address given, alongwith your payment.

For additional information, you may contact WZCC Houston Chapter Chair Behroze Daruwalla, WZCC Global Director Rustom Engineer, or in India you can contact WZCC Global Director and Board Secretary Zarine Commissariat.

For Roundtable program related information you may contact Rohinton Rivetna.

You can also write to delhiparsis@gmail.com, and we will forward your queries to the relevant people at WZCC.

Registration – Cruise

Several cabins have already been booked by local WZCC members and attendees from India. Some cabins are still available at these specially negotiated group rates and  if the deposit is not received  by September 10, 2008, they will be released for general booking. 

For more information, please contact Xpert Tours (info@xperttours.com)

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Parsi Meter: Going Down

Posted by delhiparsi on 23 August, 2008

HT City, 20th August 2008

HT City, 20th August 2008

 

The day after Pateti this year, an article appeared in the Hindustan Times, commenting upon the state of Parsis in the National Capital Region of Delhi (click on the picture above to enlarge and read). You can also read it online here, on the author’s blog.

It is a short and simple, yet thought provoking commentary on the sad state of our numbers, and draws from our own DelhiParsis.com Parsi Meter (top right on this page).

“In the National Capital Region, their (Parsis) number is embarrassingly low. Check out the ‘Parsi Meter’ at delhiparsis.com. The population stat displayed there is so low that if you catch all Parsis in town, you would still not be able to fill the 980-seater Delite cinema.”

With respect to our diminishing numbers, our community is clearly divided between the orthodox hard-liners, and the progressive liberals.

One side we have those who would rather “uphold the purity of our bloodlines, than have any bloodline surving at all”.

On the other hand, we have those who would “rather infuse fresh new blood, to uphold the tenets of Zoroastrianism and what Parsis stand for – for a long time to come.”

On a more bizarre note, there are some in the community who actually debate the authenticity of our miniscule numbers and the theory of our extinction in little over a century from now!

And so, the debate will rage on.

Meanwhile, our community will continue to battle issues of a large beyond-reproduction age population. And problems of infertility among the actual reproductive age-band.

We will continue to eject daughters and their children, if they choose to marry outside their community. And we will praise our sons who marry within, even if they don’t wear a sudreh-kusti or do anything to nurture the community beyond procreating more offspring, who in turn become ambivalent towards the whole ‘parsi thing’.

On this site itself, we will receive congratulatory notes and comments for raising the issue. And for sure we will receive angry notes and threats for ‘talking nonsense’.

This is a free country. And we are free people. We live with the tenets of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. All we need now, is a huge dose of Good Sense.

…

…

Here’s another article I came across on the subject: Parsis may be silenced by success via Asia Times Online.

“The community’s very success appears to be threatening its survival. Parsis are keen to get a higher education, establish themselves in a profession, and buy an apartment and a car before getting married. This often means late marriage or remaining unmarried; 30% of Parsis are single. Those who marry tend to have fewer children. (more)”

 

Posted in Opinion, Parsi Community Issues, Parsi News, Zoroastrianism | Tagged: , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

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