We thank all our participants for the overwhelming response to our Parsi New Year 2024 Contest. Heartiest Congratulations to our following Top 5 Winners! [Winners are requested to email us at: editor@parsi-times.com to collect your gifts.]

WINNERS OF CONTEST 1: POETRY Or PROSE on ‘TRUE HAPPINESS’

Contest Winner: Vahishta Patel

In The Heart Of Happiness 

I once asked myself, “What is happiness?

Is it money, fame, or the jewels we possess?”

Just then I heard a voice from above who said,

“Dear Child, let me answer your question instead…”

“A kind word from someone new,

Can lift your spirits, change your view;

Seeing your favourite person for the 100^th time,

Feels like hearing a good ol’ song in perfect rhyme.

Tasting the perfect flavour in your food

Leads to a pleasant change of mood,

Savouring ice-cream at Marine Drive,

Feels like the city’s truly alive!

Seeing an old couple hold hands as they roam,

Brings us joy that feels like home;

It’s the simple things in life that make you happy,

Like laughter with friends over a cup of coffee.

So, remember to choose happiness each day,

And let joy guide you along the way!”

That is how God showed me the right direction,

And gave me the answer to my question.

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Contest Winner: Khushnaz Dastoor

True Parsi Happiness!

Biting into a farchaa, hot and crispy,

Laughing and joking with my dear friend Vispi!

Getting ready for a jolly Gambhar,

And eagerly awaiting my sariya with achaar!

Enjoying a Parsi naatak with our loved ones,

Going to an Irani cafe for choi and maska bun!

Wearing a brand new Gara-ni-sari, 

Or watching a flick starring our beloved Boman Irani!

Opening the cabinet for an evening peg,

Or starting the day with my usual egg;

Granny and Grandpa doing my sagan,

Or getting decked up for a dashing lagan.

Washing and cleaning my ancient car,

Or decorating my home with torans and haar;

Gulping down an ice-cold raspberry,

And living life to the fullest whilst always being merry!

That is true Parsi happiness!

WINNER OF CONTEST 2: WRITE ON…

‘36-year-old Peston thought he was one lucky bloke to be married to Freny – his fatakri wife and yet secretly date his super-fatakri childhood crush, Hilla, married to Freny’s brother, Faredoon! What Peston didn’t know was that Sakkubai, their common ‘kaamwali’, had complete knowledge of all that was going on. And Sakkubai hatched a sinister plan…’  

Contest Winner: Kayomarz Dotiwalla

… Sakubai was aware that both, Peston and Hilla left their cell phones unattended on the drawer of their room. So, she took advantage of the same – On Peston’s cell, she quickly changed Faredoon’s name to Hilla, leaving the phone number the same as Faredoon’s. On Hilla’s cell, she changed Freny’s name to Peston, leaving the phone number same as Freny!!

On Parsi New Year, Peston sent the following message to Hilla (now received by Faredoon!): “Mohri sweetie pie Hillooo, Waiting when I can squeeze you tight in my arms and wish you. Love you a lot. Forever yours, Pesu.”

Hilla also sent the following message to Peston (now received by Freny!): “My dearest jaanu Pesu, longing to be in your arms when you can give me a nice smooch on New Year! Your sweetheart, Hilloo.”

Not surprisingly, both the families celebrated a premature DIWALI, with lots of FIREWORKS, in addition to ‘Parsi New Year’!!

Moral of the story: ‘Sakkubai Se Saawdhan Rehna’!

WINNERS OF CONTEST 3: CLIQ-A-PIC (with your favourite beverage)

Contest Winner: Rashna Hushedar Irani

Caption: ‘East Or West Coconut Water Is The Best!’

Contest Winner: Homai Irani

Caption: ‘Coffee Is A Hug In A Mug!’