Construction of the prayer-cum-community hall, a "dream project” of the Bilimora Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman Trust Funds (BPZATF) is "in full swing,” stated managing trustee Marzban Baria on June 9, 2024. "We expect to complete the building till the plinth level before the monsoons arrive in Gujarat.” The project has been funded by trustee Dhanjishaw Avari in memory of his late wife Coomi and son Cyrus. Dhanjishaw stated that he was "very satisfied” with the progress of the work. The hall is expected to accommodate up to 200 people.
Clockwise from above: Marzban Baria on site at Bilimora’s "dream project:”
Coomi, Cyrus and Dhanjishaw Avari; Gabba Daremeher and adjacent
building being redeveloped
"The proposed prayer hall will be useful for our community humdins specially to those who cannot afford to pay high charges for navjote or wedding ceremonies” (in cosmopolitan venues), stated Baria in a Facebook post, adding, "We will also be using this hall to arrange frequent religious lectures by well-known scholars to inculcate awareness of religion and its importance to our younger generation.” About 150 Parsis reside in Bilimora.
"Previously Dhanjishaw who belongs to Navsari had intended to make a donation in Navsari through the WZO (World Zoroastrian Organisation) Trust Funds (WZOTF) but couldn’t find a suitable site there,” stated Baria. When the Bilimora trustees came to know that a property adjacent to the Dadabhai Dhanjibhai and Sorabji Shapurji Gabba Daremeher was available for sale, "we requested (Dhanjishaw) to look into the matter… He agreed and requested WZOTF to divert the funds to our Trust…. They were kind enough to cooperate for which we are very much thankful to them,” stated Baria.