There was much celebration and activity in the air in Navsari, Gujarat, on 18^th April, 2023, which marked ‘World Heritage Day’. Known as our ‘dharam ni tekdi’ or the religious/cultural capital of the Parsi community, Navsari indeed houses a number of heritage structures which highlight the glorious legacy of our community. To further boost and fortify the same, a program celebrating World Heritage Day was jointly organised in Navsari by ParZor and INTACH (Indian National Trust For Art and Cultural Heritage), in collaborative efforts with Parsi Cultural Division of the S B Garda College Trust.

The World Heritage Day function was held with the help of the Shirvoi Party Plot, Navsari and efforts of INTACH and ParZor, along with the Parsi Cultural Division of SBGCT. Guest speakers, who spoke on the occasion, included historian Professor Dr. Mohan Meghani and Jeetendra Gaekwad representing the royal family of Baroda, as also the Collector of Navsari – IAS Amit Prakash Yadav and Convenor, INTACH Navsari – Adv Sudhir Sule.  INTACH Navsari Co-convener Ruzbeh Umrigar, who is also the Gujarat Projects Coordinator for ParZor Foundation, made an enthralling presentation.

A few new interesting and informative initiatives were introduced, like Heritage Walks and Museum Walks, which would be open to the interested public. Attending the event honourable a good number of Navsari residents, as also enthusiastic from Surat, Mumbai and Baroda, who wished to participate in the Heritage related activities in Navsari, and turned up despite the heavy rains. They were especially excited to have a hearty discussion with the Collector of Navsari.

Speaking to Parsi Times, Gujarat Projects Coordinator for ParZor Foundation as well as INTACH Navsari Co-convener, Ruzbeh Umrigar, informed, “We are collaborating with a number of other institutions in Navsari as well, with the aim of getting our Navsari back on the tourism map and much more. We look forward to bringing the Heritage Walks to the people for their better understanding and appreciation of Navsari’s rich cultural legacy.”

The next Heritage Walk will take place on 30^th April, 2023, from 7:45 am to 9:00 am, commencing at Navsari Fuwara (fountain). Those looking to participate can connect with Ruzbeh Umrigar at: +91 9769580550