We at the ZTFE strive and succeed in building cohesion and happiness between Mazdayasni Zarathushtis from different parts of the world and of different ages, together with family and friends.
ZTFE has been celebrating Jamheedi NoRuz in London annually on 21st March since 1906. This year ZTFE once again celebrated Jamsheedi NoRuz function at the splendid English Heritage listed Zoroastrian Centre in Harrow, London, started as per tradition with a thanksgiving Jashan by our Ervad Sahebs Er. Yazad Bhadha, Er. Zubin Bhedwar, Er. Zubin Writer, Er. Yazad Unwalla.
After the Jashan, our Ervad Sahebs recited benedictory prayers for the well-being of H M The King, The Queen, TRH Prince and Princess of Wales. Our ZTFE Resident Priest Ervad Yazad T Bhahda has also recently being reciting benedictory prayers witnessed by ZTFE President, for full and speedy recovery of His Majesty The King and Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales. The team led by Malcolm Deboo, Jesmin Sohrab, Rohinton Munshi, Yazad Dalal, Shazneen Munshi, Dr. Karishma Koka, Khashayar Khoshraviani and Rusi Dalal, together with the staff team Roshan Avari, Ratan Buhariwala, Er. Yazad Bhadha with several youth and adult volunteers serving food and Gav Buhariwala at the Bar achieved a splendid celebration on Jamsheedi NoRuz, Thursday 21st March 2024. The Chief Guest His Worshipful The Mayor of Harrow Councillor Mr Ramji Chauhan and the Mayoress Mrs Meena Chauhan were welcomed by Vice President Jesmin Sohrab accompanied by group of Parsi women adorned in beautiful garas and saris performing the aachu meechu ceremony. The main function began with a welcome by the President Malcolm Deboo who gave a historical account of Jamsheedi NoRuz celebrations at the ZTFE and a note of gratitude to His Worshipful The Mayor for organising the exquisite South Asian Cultural Dance Festival at Zoroastrian Centre, featured on Zee TV, during Inter Faith Week on 19th November 2023, hosted by the ZTFE which helped build cohesion in Society while highlighting the rich diversity of the Indian diaspora to the United Kingdom. The (Hon) Secretary Rohinton Munshi delivered a speech explaining the significance of Jamsheedi NoRuz. He highlighted that just as the Mayor was focused on charities in support of the vulnerable in society, the ZTFEthrough its initiative Care in the Zoroastrian Community (CZC) shared the same vision. The CZC team led by Rozy Contractor, comprises of a core group - Shiraz Anklesaria, Prof. Dr. Zubin Sethna, Mahtab Munshi and Javid Canteenwala who coordinate a larger group of volunteers who support elderly Zoroastrians. The Vice President Jesmin Sohrab read out the letter from the Prime Minister Rt Hon Rishi Sunak sending his best wishes to the Zoroastrian community of the United Kingdom on the occasion of Jamsheedi NoRuz The ZTFE President Mr. Malcolm Deboo launched the Tamam Khordeh Avesta in English by Er. (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia published through the project funded by ZTFELife Member Dr Zar Amrolia in the memory of his parents Armin and Jal Amrolia. The significance of this prayer book and its characteristics including acid-free paper were detailed. People were given the opportunity to purchase this Tamam (complete) Khordeh Avesta and expressed gratitude to the ZTFE for the opportunity. We noted that it is dedicated to enhancing the experience of the devotee as it contains the relevance and meanings of each prayer together with an appreciation of the essence. The President Malcolm Deboo and our Trustee Mr Rusi Dalal then felicitated the Chief Guests. A rich dinner with starters, main course and dessert was enjoyed by all accompanied by soft background music organised by Jt (Hon) Secretary & Social Secretary Yazad Dalal. The Haftsheen Table beautifully laid out by members of our Iranian Zoroastrian community was observed and appreciated. Our Iranian Community Officer Khashayar Khosraviani and his good lady Mahnaz explained the significance to the Chief Guests and others. Our seniors were assisted by the dedicated volunteers of the CZC coordinated by Rozy Contractor, Mahtab Munshi and Shiraz Sethna (seen in the photograph). ZTFE was delighted to host a large contingent of lecturers, past and current students of Zoroastrian Studies at SOAS on this day, including Zartoshty Brothers Professor (Dr) Almut Hintze, retired Shapoorji Pallonji Lecturer Reader (Emeritus) Dr Sarah Stewart, Dr Jenny Rose, Prof. Peter Cornwell, ZTFE Zartoshty Brothers Scholars Dr Nazneen Engineer, Dr Mehrbod Khanizadeh, Dr Yousef Moradi, ZTFE Zartoshty Brothers students Ruzbeh Hodiwala, Shiruy Bilimoria. ZTFE conveyed deep appreciation and gratitude for their on going Research on Zoroastrianism. In addition to the 21st March Jamsheedi NoRuz function at our Zoroastrian Centre, another celebration was orgnaised by the ZTFE on the weekend at the Taj St James' Court Palace Hotel on Sunday 24 March. A further celebration took place on Monday 25th March, to mark the all important Khordaad Saal with a thanksgiving Jashan as per the Iranian Zoroastrian calendar sponsored by former ZTFE Trustee Late Bahman Mobed and his wife Nahid at our Zoroastrian Centre which is the heart of our Community and which we together continue to keep beating. Our gratitude to Mr. Raj Bakrania and members for photographing our Jamsheedi NoRuz celebrations at our Zoroastrian Centre. Gratitude to our President Malcolm Deboo and Hon. Secretary Rohinton Munshi for adding to this article. Yours sincerely Dr. Karishma Koka ZTFE Communications Officer |
In a splendid celebration of heritage and unity, the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE) illuminated the heart of London with the vibrant spirit of Nowruz on Sunday, 24 March. This prestigious event unfolded within the elegant confines of the Taj St James Hotel, a stone's throw away from the regal Buckingham Palace, setting a fitting stage for a gathering that was both joyful and deeply meaningful. The day commenced with a sacred Jashan ceremony, led by five of our distinguished Ervad Sahebs, weaving a tapestry of spiritual solemnity that set the tone for the festivities to follow. The lunch function, a testament to the ZTFE's commitment to fostering community bonds, was a resounding success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 200 attendees dressed to impress, including more than a few in daglis and garas. Notably, the event was embraced by around fifty Young Zoroastrians, reflecting the vibrant future of our community. The luncheon itself was a journey through culinary delights, but the festivities did not end at the table. The younger attendees found joy and camaraderie on the dance floor, courtesy of our DJ who kept the spirits high and the celebration lively into the evening. The event was punctuated by three significant highlights that underscored its importance. Firstly, the Jashan ceremony, a profound expression of our faith and traditions. Secondly, the lavish buffet spread that was not only a feast for the senses but also a symbol of our communal harmony and joy. Lastly, the launch of the English Tamam Khordeh Avesta book, edited by Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia, marked a historic moment for our community. Sponsored by ZTFE donor Zar Amrolia and his family, in loving memory of his late parents Armin and Jal Amrolia, this seminal work promises to be an invaluable resource for English-reading Zoroastrians, bridging generations in prayer and understanding. Among our distinguished guests was Mehrnavaz Avari, the Regional Director of the Indian Hotels Company, whose support has been instrumental in enabling the ZTFE to host our cherished Zoroastrian festivities in the heart of Central London. This year's Noruz function was not just a celebration but a vibrant declaration of our community's enduring spirit, cultural richness, and the unbreakable bonds that unite us. As we look forward to future gatherings, we carry with us the joy and pride of this memorable day, a beacon of our heritage and a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our Zoroastrian community. Our gratitude to Mr. Raj Bakrania for photographing our Jamsheedi NoRuz celebrations at the Taj St James Court Hotel. Please forward this email to members of your family, friends and those who do not receive ZTFE emails. Or kindly reply to ZTFE with emails of your family, friends and those who do not receive ZTFEemails. ZTFE Secretariat will email them a registration link to register to receive ZTFE emails. Due to GDPR, ZTFE cannot register persons to receive ZTFE emails without their consent. Yours sincerely Yazad Dalal ZTFE Jt Hon Sec & Social Secretary |