<![CDATA[ZTFE - ZOROASTRIAN HERITAGE PROJECT EVENING]]>

A Remarkably Successful Evening of MigrationStories, Community Culture and Concert!

On Saturday 23 May 2026, the Zoroastrian Centre was filled with warmth, pride and celebration as members of our community and special guests gathered for a special Heritage Celebration marking a significant milestone in the Zoroastrian Migration Stories Project.

Supported by Harrow Giving and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has been led by dedicated ZTFE volunteers - Shiraz Sethna, Shazneen Munshi and Ruby Sethna, since December 2024.

Through intergenerational workshops, interviews, recordings and personal oral testimonies, the initiative has captured and recorded the migration journeys of Zoroastrians who made the United Kingdom their home, preserving these invaluable stories for future generations. The evening brought together community members of all ages to reflect on our shared history, heritage and achievements. The event marked the opening of the formal exhibition at Headstone Manor & Museum, showcasing the rich contribution of the Zoroastrian community within the wider history of the London Borough of Harrow.

Guests were welcomed with afternoon tea before enjoying an engaging presentation showing highlights from the Heritage Project and insight into the work undertaken over nearly two years. The presentation coupled with the demonstration of heritage artefacts showcased the project's achievements, the importance of preserving personal migration stories, and the impact the initiative will have in ensuring these histories remain accessible for future generations.

Zoroastrian Heritage Artefacts Table

We were delighted to welcome our special guest, Rachel Wright from Voluntary Action Harrow, who addressed the audience and spoke about the significance of community heritage projects and the value of preserving local histories through the experiences of communities, which form an important part of Britain's cultural heritage.

This was followed by a short film produced by the project team, which included.photos past and present of participants, a touching poem narrated by our late ZTFE Counsel Emeritus Mr Noshir Jal Avari. These powerful contributions brought to life the experiences, memories and voices of those who helped build our community. The audience's emotions were further moved by a touching poem produced by a
member of the younger generation born in London, Dara Anklesaria. The poem is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to those who came before us, whose courage, resilience and sacrifices created the opportunities that we enjoy today. Accompanied by specially composed music, it provided a poignant reflection on the connection between generations and the enduring legacy of those who established and nurtured
the Zoroastrian community in Britain. Together, these elements created a powerful tribute to the vision and determination of earlier generations whose efforts helped establish and strengthen the ZTFE and
the wider Zoroastrian community in the UK.

The celebration continued with the much-loved annual Care in the Zoroastrian Community (CZC) concert.
Performances by our talented young Zoroastrians, Firoze Madan, Ervad Frazan Kotwal, Maya Kumana, who delighted the audience and demonstrated the vibrant future of our community. The extravaganza of heritage, storytelling and music created a memorable and uplifting atmosphere throughout the
evening.

The event also served as an opportunity to acknowledge with gratitude the countless individuals whose voluntary service, generosity and commitment have helped our community flourish since the establishment of the ZTFE in 1861. Their legacy continues to inspire current and future generations.

23rd May 2026
Event Organisers: LtoR Javid Canteenwala, Mahtab Munshi, Rozy Contractor,
Shiraz Sethna, Ruby Sethna, Zubin Sethna

Community members are encouraged to visit the exhibition at Headstone Manor & Museum, where 16 different community heritage projects, including the Zoroastrian Migration Stories Project, are being showcased. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse histories and cultural contributions of communities across Harrow and will remain open to the public until 31 August 2026.

The enthusiastic attendance, positive feedback and strong sense of community spirit made the evening a resounding success. It demonstrated the importance of preserving our stories, celebrating our
heritage and creating opportunities for generations to connect with their roots and with one another.

Here is a link to the film and project pages for those interested:
The Zoroastrian stories of migration project - ZTFE

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening and helped make this important celebration such a memorable occasion. Together, we continue to preserve and share the rich story of the Zoroastrian community in Britain for generations to come!

Best wishes,

Zoroastrian Stories of Migration Project Team & ZTFE CZC Team

Photo Credits: Kainaz Contractor

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