ZOROASTRIAN CENTRE LONDON
Good Thoughts - Good Words - Good Deeds
Good Thoughts - Good Words - Good Deeds
Dear Pervin, Rooky, Kamal, Bini, Zarin, Shavak, Rhoda, Jalu, Rusi, Dorab, Percy and ALL my other Parsee friends and families as per my Email BCC
cc: The "A" Team - John, Patsy, Merwyn, Hilda, Tony (for info).
On Sunday 21st. March 2010 my dance band Velvet Touch Trio was booked to entertain the Parsee community at the Zoroastrian Centre to celebrate their New Year and over 600 members joined in the action packed celebrations.
We unfortunately did not get much of a chance playing as there was so much activity taking place with high profile VIP's from the Parsee community, real top-notch high flyers making speeches followed by presentations.
It was great listening to the various speakers of high standing and I was impressed to learn of their great positions in the Global world.
Amongst the VIP's was chief guest, Retired Air Chief Marshall Fali Major – who used to be Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force. He only retired a few months ago and we were delighted he accepted our invitation. The Zorostrians are very proud of their contribution to the Defence Services in whichever country they live.
Mr. Dorab Mistry impressed me greatly with his positive clear dynamic voice - he would make a great presenter on BBC. "Rooky, Pervin Zarin and others you will agree with my quote ......... 'Great to be a Parsee'.
Dr Minoo Patel – who won the Outstanding Zoroastrian Award for contribution to Science & Technology at the 9th World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai. One of Britain’s most outstanding engineers who is now Head of Dept at Cranfield.
Cyrus Todiwala, OBE and Britain’s most famous and most accomplished Indian Chef who runs the famous Café Spice Namaste.
And the children who starred in the BBC programme – what great value from the Beep for the licence fee !
As you all know Rusi Dalal from Zanzibar, he made a good short speech confirming that the Parsee community in the UK is one of the largest in the world. Rusi went on to proudly address his community encouraging the younger generation to get married and introduce more Parsee children. This went down very well as I must say they have everything to be proud of.
Rooky I met you mum who came up on-stage to say hi, as always, and told me of her lovely holiday she had with you in Vancouver. She did confirm how busy you were, of course at the time of the Winter Olympics and with all your social commitments!! - what can we say. Also to add to your high flying lifestyle. Keep it up.
Pervin, belated New Year's greetings. I guess you and your familiy have celebrated well in Arusha.
I also hear you will be in London very shortly. Why the silence? Need to know your plans ASAP and remember you and Merwyn have to spend some time with us at our home so no excuses.
FOR INFO:
Shirin Amani Azari who was also at the celebrations has released a very interesting book titled "ONCE UPON A TIME IN TEHRAN" which according to reviewers the book appeals to an audience of all ages from children to adults. The human connection factor in the book, the family bond and the Persian ancient history through folk-lore tales will appeal to a wide audience. The book opens a door to the rich Persian culture, history and the pride in it's customs and festivities shines through. This book can be purchased at most Waterstones including Harrods, Kensington, Hatchard, Piccadilly and on online stores such as Amazon and WH Smith.
Website:
www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/OnceUponATimeInTehran.html
Shirin writes - You are welcome to join us at the book signing at Harrods on 29th April at 5.30 PM.
P.S. As you know I always carry my little camera with me, I managed to take a few photographs which (with permission) I have included to my blog for quick viewing. There were a couple of pro photographers on stage so in due time you may be able to view much more perhaps through the Zoroastrian websites. I will forward you the link when available.
John, thanks for your update briefly explaining the Parsee New Year which I have also attached at the end of the blog.
Once again, Betty and myself convey our best regards wishing you all A Happy New Year.
Best regards
Benny & Betty
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Dear Rooky, Pervin & Family cc: The 'A' Team
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Here's to a very Happy New Year being celebrated by you great folks, the Parsi Community, world wide, tomorrow. Benny wish all the folks at the party tomorrow where you will be playing.
I will be at a special party tomorrow with some good Parsi friends of ours and will be celebrating the traditional way as described in the attached article. I remember our Z'bar neighbours, the Bulsara's with their colourful display at the entrance of their door and the delicious sweets they use to send us.
So once again you great friends of ours, have a great New Year's Day and will be drinking some fine CR scotch and will toast to your good health and our friendship.....Z'bar 2011.
Cheers,
John
To view full size photos below, please click on each photograph.
CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW PHOTO ALBUM SLIDESHOW
CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW PHOTO ALBUM SLIDESHOW
INFORMATION KINDLY PROVIDED
BY JOHN DE SILVA (CANADA)
BY JOHN DE SILVA (CANADA)
Parsi New Year
Jamshedi Navroz is the Parsi New Year. It usually falls on 21st March. Parsi New Year was named after the legendary King of Persia, Jamshed who started the Parsi Calendar. As per the Parsi mythology, universe is recreated on this day and life with all its glory is cherished. Navroz means spring and is believed Mother Nature casts her spell by dressing up like a young bride. Thus, Navroz gives a new vision to everyone's life. Parsis celebrate the day with jollity and mirth.
Parsi New Year Traditions
Jamshedi Navroz is the time to be with the near and dear ones and pay respect to the elders of the family. On this day, people get up early in the morning, clean their house, take bath and dress up in new clothes. They decorate the entrance of their houses with colored powders, light incense sticks and place a burning coal scuttle sprinkled with sandalwood powder. This is done to keep the air clean and fresh. There is also a tradition of offer food to the poor on this day.
Jamshedi Navroz is the time to be with the near and dear ones and pay respect to the elders of the family. On this day, people get up early in the morning, clean their house, take bath and dress up in new clothes. They decorate the entrance of their houses with colored powders, light incense sticks and place a burning coal scuttle sprinkled with sandalwood powder. This is done to keep the air clean and fresh. There is also a tradition of offer food to the poor on this day.
Parsis lay down certain auspicious items on the table on the day of New Year. It includes a sacred book, a picture of Zarathustra, mirror, candles, incense burner, fruits, flowers, a goldfish bowl, sugar, bread and some coins. These things symbolize prosperity and longevity for the family members.
Parsi New Year Celebrations
Parsi delicacies play a very important role in the New Year celebrations. A sweet Ravo (made from sugar, milk and suji) and vermicelli are the best breakfast for Navroz. After breakfast, whole family visits a nearby Fire Temple or Agiary. Priests perform a thanks giving prayer in the temple called Jashan and the congregation offers sandalwood to the Holy Fire with covered heads. They wish each other 'Sal Mubarak'.
Parsi Navroz lunch consists of pulav (with nuts and saffron), fish and other spicy non-vegetarian food. Cooking plain rice and moong dal is a must in Parsi community. Every visitor to the house is welcomed with sprinkle of rose water and offering faluda (rose flavored chilled vermicelli).
New Year Celebrations ends on the 13th day from the New Year's day. It is known as 'Sizdah be dar'. It is the custom of leaving the house for public celebrations. These celebrations are done by visiting out with friends and family members. On this day, people throw their sabzeh (seeds grown at Navroz) into a river. Some unmarried girls tie sprouts of sabzeh and wish for good fortune and love in life while some crack jokes calling it the thirteenth lie (same as April's fool).
P.S. Dear folks - please excuse any errors or ommissions on the above blog as my Belated New Year's Greetings was done in a hurry to try and reach you as soon as possible. In due course I will provide names to faces. Once again. Wishing you all the very best for 2010 and years to follow. Regards - Benito
