Submitted By Dilnavaz E. Bhagwagar

The Banquet Hall of the Delhi Palace Hotel in Phoenix came alive with the sound of hearty greetings, music and laughter on Saturday the 24th of August. The occasion was the celebration of Navroz, by ZAAZ, the Zoroastrian Association of Arizona. Founded in 1987, this was their 32nd Navroz celebration. The only original ZAAZ committee member present that night was Phil Rivetna.

The evening started with prayers led by the youngest members of the community. Thereafter the committee members welcomed all the guests and thanked them for coming. A new feature was the presence of some Zoroastrians from AZA. They are Zoroastrians from Iran. This was followed by the Treasurer of ZAAZ, presenting the Financial Report for the year.

After these formalities the gathering settled down for the main attraction of the evening, a Gujarati natak, written, directed and acted by the members of ZAAZ. Titled “Bomi’s Independence Day” featuring Bomi seth (Furrouk Cooper), Ramu, his servant (Khushru Antia), Bomi’s dominating wife Cilla (Gulnar Bhagwagar), an attractive new neighbor (Gulnar, in a double role) and her son Zubin (Zubin Sidhwa).

After the natak, youngsters Shahaan Tavadia, Spenta and Sarah Khadkhodayan, Aban Mir and Zion Behrana, ranging in age from 2 to 10 showcased their talents.

Music and dancing started before dinner and carried on till long after.

It was a delightful evening of brotherhood and bonding between the Parsis, the Iranian Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrian friends. Kudos to the Managing Committee- President Gulnar Bhagwagar, Vice President Sanaya Kadhkhodayan, Treasurer Nazreen Cooper, Secretary Cyra Behrana , members and helpers of ZAAZ for fostering so much warmth and goodwill, within and outside the community.

 (PHOTO CREDITS – Liz Munshi)