Nestled in the heart of Secunderabad, the iconic Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai Parsi Dharamshala was honoured with the prestigious INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Heritage Award 2025, on 18th April, 2025. This architectural gem stood proudly among a distinguished list of awardees in Secunderabad, including the EME Centre Officers’ Mess, MCEME Officers’ Mess, AOC Officers’ Mess, the Air Force Station – Hakimpet, and the Cantonment House – each celebrated for their enduring legacy and cultural significance.
Located at Prenderghast Road, (erstwhile James Street), the Parsi Dharamshala stands out as a testament to the rich history of the Parsi Zoroastrian community of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The local Parsi community shares a special bond with the Dharamshala, as most of their Navjotes and marriages have taken place here, in addition to providing a sanctuary for innumerable Zoroastrian travellers.
The Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai Parsi Dharamshala was originally the stately private residence of Khan Bahadur Seth Edulji Sohrabji Chenai and his wife, Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai. In a remarkable act of generosity and vision, the couple donated the property in 1889 to serve as a haven for Zoroastrian visitors to the twin cities, transforming their home into a lasting symbol of service and community spirit.
The Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai Parsi Dharamshala complex reflects over a century of architectural and cultural heritage. Its central feature, the Bai Pirojbai Chenai Hall, was built in 1893, followed by the construction of the Jamshed S. Chenai Hall, in 1919. In 1929, the elegant Edulji S. Chenai Pavilion was added, featuring metal columns and fixtures imported from Switzerland. This pavilion has hosted countless navjotes, weddings, and community gatherings, becoming a cherished space for the Parsi Zoroastrian community of the twin cities.
By 2006, the original residential quarters had deteriorated, prompting a thoughtful restoration that preserved the spirit of the past while introducing contemporary amenities. Today, the Dharamshala offers well-maintained residential quarters, including air-conditioned rooms available at affordable rates exclusively for Parsi Zoroastrians. The legacy of this heritage site is upheld by its dedicated trustees – Sohrab Chinoy, Darius Chenai and Jamshed Chinoy, who continue to steward its future with care and commitment.
The INTACH Heritage Awards 2025 ceremony was held at the Parsi Dharamshala, where the three trustees graced the occasion in traditional duglis. Adding elegance and vibrance to the evening, prominent Parsi ladies arrived in exquisite gara sarees and participated in presenting awards to the various recipients, on the occasion compared ably by INTACH’s Anuradha Reddy.
Despite a brief delay caused by unexpected rain, the evening unfolded as a celebration of pride and joy for the local Zoroastrian community, who witnessed the recognition of one of their most cherished landmarks. The function garnered enthusiastic coverage from the local press across the twin cities. Following the event, a special video capturing highlights of the celebration was released by Arnaz Bisney and Shayan Bisney, created exclusively for Parsi Zoroastrians Worldwide – The Hyderabadi Page, a prominent community Facebook group, serving as a tribute to the momentous occasion and the community’s enduring legacy.
[Courtesy: Jehangir Bisney]
