The 43^rd edition of the Mancherji Edalji Joshi Memorial Trust’s (MEJMT) Festival of Spring Jamshedi Navroze Gambhar unfolded on 21^st March, 2026 at the Dadar Parsi Gymkhana grounds, drawing over 1,500 community members for an evening marked by celebration, connection and cultural pride. One of the most cherished gatherings in the community calendar, it brought together generations in a shared spirit of festivity.

The grand scale of the celebration was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors. Central Bank of India led as main sponsor, with Union Bank as prime sponsor, alongside Tata Sons, Sterling and Wilson Group, The WZO Trust Funds, Dadachanji Group, Rustomjee, Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Bakhtawar Gandhi and Zoroastrian Bank. Associate sponsors included Della Adventures and Resorts, Raj Shipping Agencies, Dinshaw and Viraf Mehta, Eric Anklesaria and USCPL, alongside supporting sponsors – WAPIZ, Master Marine Services and the Settna Memorial Foundation.

Festivities began weeks earlier with the eagerly anticipated pre-Gambhar competitions, drawing enthusiastic participation from children, youth and seniors alike. ‘Decor Duels’ encouraged creativity in home décor, while ‘Biryanis of the World’ turned into a culinary delight, with Jeroo Medhora winning for her ‘Bheja Biryani’. Tambola night at Sohrab Palamkote Hall brought music and excitement, while ‘Creative Minds’ gave children a platform to showcase their artistic flair through tattoo designs. Running alongside these events was the Annual Raffle, featuring prizes including a hand-embroidered Gara by Naju Davar. Proceeds from the raffle supported Ahura Support, an organisation dedicated to the welfare of the differently-abled.

The main Gambhar evening, hosted by dynamic Trustee Mahiyar Dastoor, commenced with soulful monajats rendered by students of Er. Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia’s Dharmgyan Class, curated by Hufrish Bamji, Havovi Karanjia and Shernaz Talati, setting a moving tone for the eve. The felicitation segment that followed honoured several distinguished members of the community. Chief Guest, Hon. Justice Shahrukh J. Kathawalla, introduced by Chairman Dinyar Panthaky, spoke about the enduring cultural significance of Dadar Parsi Colony.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Mithoo Jesia and Zarine Engineer for their longstanding service. Outstanding Achievement Awards were conferred upon Justice Farhan Dubash, Dr. Jeyhan B. Dhabhar, Shirzad Bhathena, Burzin Engineer and Ayesha Billimoria. The Jal Mistry Memorial Award for Most Outstanding Colonyite was presented to Burgess Cooper and Dilkhush Cooper, while the Kavina K. Karkaria Award for most promising youngster went to Ayesha Z. Mehta. Awards on behalf of the Rustom Faramna Agiyari recognised Er. Mehervan Aspi Nalladaroo and Er. Khurshed Framroz Desai for excellence in Mobedi. Several students were also felicitated for academic and sporting achievements.

The evening then transitioned into an energetic entertainment segment featuring music and dance performances choreographed by Pearl Tirandaz, Kainaaz Master, Parinaz Sanjana and Dawood Qureshi, with performances coordinated by Coleen Chinoy, Meher Mirza, Dilshad Langrana and Nohid Irani; Costumes by Zenobia Unwalla, music edits by Yohaan Crawford, and hair and make-up by Shernaaz Dadachanji. Singers Sarosh Nanavati and Farah Ghadiali added to the festive atmosphere.

A standout highlight was the fashion showcase titled ‘The Modern Heirloom’, featuring Zenobia Davar’s collection, which celebrated the timeless elegance of the Parsi gara. Behind the scenes, the event was supported by extensive coordination across technical, décor and creative teams, including Sarosh Daruwalla’s Mazda Audio Video Lab for lights, sound and LED screens, with Aarish Daruwalla supporting execution and recordings, Photography by Rehan Daruwalla and mandap décor by Roxana Pavri’s Dream Design. The evening concluded with everyone spiritedly singling the Parsi anthem ‘Chaiye Hame Zarthosti’ followed by the National Anthem, and a sumptuous patru prepared by Tanaz Godiwala.

The scale and success of the festival stand as a tribute to the dedication of the MEJMT Trustees (Dinyar Panthaky, Zareen Engineer, Mithoo Jesia, Tina Patel, Daraius Zaiwala, Mahiyar Dastoor, Homai Daruwalla and Behram Rabadi) and numerous volunteers – the true unsung heroes of the celebration, who make it a resounding success year on year. As another memorable edition concluded, the Festival of Spring once again strengthened bonds, celebrated heritage and left the community eagerly awaiting the next year’s gathering.