By Parsi Times Special Correspondent Hoshang Katrak

Located in Devlali, the Bai Ratanbai J. Chinoy’s Dar-e-Meher celebrated its 107^th salgreh with great fanfare on 1^st October, 2023, amidst a large turnout of enthused devotees.A Fala-ni-Maachi at 6:40am, was followed by the all-important Jashan at 4:45 pm in the evening. The recitation of our holy prayers by father and son – Er. Nozer Mehenty (Panthaky of the Agiary) and Er. Rooyinton added to the divine aura in the packed hall of the Agiary.

The rain gods, mercifully absent, permitted the gathering to freely mingle and enjoy the evening which started with a couple of games of Housie, followed by a live music performance by Golden Voice Studio which belted out evergreen hits of the decades gone by.

Devlali residents – Viloo and Rustom Irani, said, “We always keenly look forward to this day. We have no words to express how wonderfully everything was organised. Everyone had a lovely time. God bless the Trustees!”. Added C K Jamshed, from Nasik, “There was appropriate pomp and glory. It was a team effort – kudos to the Trustees! The music of the golden era of Bollywood made the evening even more enjoyable. Hope for more such events in future too.” Mumbai’s Pearl Mistry also expressed delight, “The 250-plus crowd had an immensely enjoyable time, after paying homage to the holy fire burning here since the last 107 years! The harmony and joie de vivre was palpable, much like the proverbial sugar in the milk!”

A delectable gambhar dinner by Adil Master concluded the festivities. The event was held under the able guidance of Managing Trustee Sherzad Patel and President Sheriar Irani. Secretary and Trustee of the Devlali-Nasik Parsee Zoroastrian Anjuman Firdaus Kapadia and Managing Committee member Darayus Mistry’s untiring efforts helped make the day-long event a huge success.

Voted the cleanest Cantonment Board in Maharashtra, Devlali once boasted of a sizeable Zoroastrian population. Sadly, there are now fewer than 600 in Devlali and Nasik combined, most of them elderly. However, it’s heartening to note that an increasing number are now buying holiday homes here.