The Zoroastrian Club, Secunderabad, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as Winter Fest 2025 unfolded on 14^th December, drawing families, friends and guests for an evening filled with festive warmth. Held at the Club’s Annexe, the annual flagship event welcomed the season with lights, music and a lively carnival atmosphere that reflected the close-knit spirit of the community.

Festivities commenced at 4:00 pm with visitors exploring a wide range of stalls offering Parsi delicacies, hot winter snacks, handcrafted candles, imitation jewellery, personalised gifts, festive apparel and decorative handicrafts. The blend of aromas from freshly prepared food and traditional treats evoked the charm of old community fairs, encouraging guests to linger, browse and reconnect.

Game stalls proved to be a major attraction, keeping both children and adults entertained, while the DJ maintained an upbeat tempo through the evening. A surprise flash mob performance added to the excitement, delighting onlookers and energising the crowd. Santa Claus made a much-awaited entrance astride a Royal Enfield motorcycle, instantly winning young hearts.

Each child received a gift, ensuring smiles and festive cheer all around. The charity raffle further heightened anticipation, with attractive prizes on offer while supporting community initiatives. Winners included Tanaz Cabrial, Sanober Tantra, Russi Doctor, and a special prize winner Kersi Patel, who received a painting by artist Dilnawaz V. Tarapore.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors – Dinshaw Tamboly, Chairman – WZO Trusts, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Justice S.J. Kathawalla (Retd.), and other donors, with meticulous planning led by Managing Committee members Farah Bhagat and Roksana Chehna. Under the guidance of President Bahman Karaka and the dedicated committee (Mehernosh Dittia- VP, Kersi Patel – Secretary, Fashutana Bhagat – Treasurer, Binaifer Mistry, Kaizad Eduljee, Dhunji Mistry, Khushi Asundaria, Armaity Debara, Shayan Bisney), volunteers and staff, Winter Fest 2025 recorded a memorable turnout, reaffirming the Zoroastrian Club’s enduring spirit of community camaraderie.

[Courtesy: CA. Jehangir Bisney, Hyderabad]