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Russi M. Ghadiali, President, Parsi Zoroastrian Association
of South East Asia, and Guest of Honour Chang Soo Sen, Minister of State,
Ministry of Education and Ministry of Community Development and Sports,
Singapore, release the commemorative volume brought out in conjunction with
the exhibition. |
 he occasion was the 3000th
anniversary of Zoroastrianism and the 50th anniversary of the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia. The
Association held an exhibition, themed "Flame of the Faith: An Insight into the
Parsi Zoroastrian Tradition" from 28 May, 2004 to 1 August, 2004 at the Asian
Civilization Museum, Singapore that not only showcased artefacts connected to
the rich Zoroastrian heritage, but also gave opportunities to learned scholars
to share their views on the Zoroastrian religion and culture with fellow
Zoroastrians and others.
Pheroza J. Godrej and Firoza Punthakey Mistree, co-editors of A
Zoroastrian Tapestry: Art, Religion and Culture, who were the first to be
approached by the Association’s President, Russi M. Ghadiali, for their
guidance, poured their best into the exhibition. CHANGE presents a brief
pictorial view of the exhibition.
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Pheroza J. Godrej, one of the organising committee members from India,
lights the diva to mark the inauguration of the “Flame of the Faith: An
Insight into the Parsi Zoroastrian Tradition” exhibition. Looking on are
(l-r) Chang Soo Sen, Russi M. Ghadiali and Bapsi Fali Nariman. |
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H.E.
S.R. Nathan, President, the Republic of Singapore, presents a token of
appreciation to Pheroza J. Godrej for her contribution to the exhibition.
Seen on extreme ends are volunteer Putli Karkaria and Russi M. Ghadiali. |
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"Flame of the Faith" exhibition showcase: |
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A
prayer cap worn by Parsi children. These caps are stiffened with buckram
and/or cardboard. Velvet or satin cloth is embroidered in zari (gold or
silver wire thread). These caps were popular in the early 20th century.
The blue velvet cap is embellished with beadwork commonly found in
Gujarat. Collection: F.D. Alpaiwalla Museum. Courtesy: Bombay Parsi
Punchayet. Photograph: Comart Lithographers Ltd.
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A red jahbla
with roosters. A jahbla is a smock-like blouse worn by Parsi children as
part of their traditional costume. Original jahblas were embroidered in
China and were brought to India by Parsi merchants trading in opium, tea
and cotton. This richly embroidered jahbla is of a traditional design
favoured by the Parsis. This garment is nearly 150 years old.
Collection: F.D. Alpaiwalla Museum. Courtesy: Bombay Parsi Punchayet.
Photograph: Comart Lithographers Ltd. |
A Khordeh
Avesta (book of daily Parsi prayers) in Gujarati. This particular
edition of the book has been depicted in several oil paintings of Parsi
merchants in the 19th century. This book belonged to the Parsi Indian
nationalist Dadabhai Naoroji who, in 1892, was the first Asian to be
elected a Member of the British Parliament. Dadabhai won his seat from
Finsbury Central and was a candidate of the Liberal Party. Collection:
F.D. Alpaiwalla Museum. Courtesy: Bombay Parsi Punchayet. Photograph:
Comart Lithographers Ltd.
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Picnic time for the priestly Toti (Balsara) family outside the bungalow of
advocate Nusserwanji Vakil at Tithal Village, Valsad, Gujarat in the
mid-1930s. From right: The patriarch of the family, Sorabji Toti, his wife
Dhunmai, children Hilla, Tehmina, Baman, Bahadur, Jemi, Dolly, Jal and Dina.
(Another child not seen in the photo is Zarine, who was yet unborn). While
Sorabji enjoys his cognac, the rest of the family has taari with fresh seek
kababs and gathyas. (Incidentally, it may interest readers to know that
Sorabji Toti is Assistant Editor Rashna Ardesher’s paternal grandfather and
Jal, her father.) |
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Nurturing Growth: "Nobody Loves Me... Nobody Cares" |
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Environmental Concerns: Defending the Earth:
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Know Your Divisional Heads: The Electronic
Man:
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Change Management:
Collaborative Project Tracking
Solution |
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Oddities, Eccentricities, Etc.: Diplomacy’s Lighter Side |
| African Safari, Arabian Days, Home Base,
Home Tech, Home Solutions, Little Wonders, and other regular features. |
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