"The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) is the main sponsor for the citywide Nowruz celebration hosted by the Asia Society during spring break, March 14-17, 2023. The attendance of our entire ZAH community is requested and eagerly anticipated at the grand finale” with free transportation being arranged (from the ZAH Center to Asia Society and back) for those aged over 50 years, noted a communiqué from the Association.
Clockwise from top: Kaemerz Dotiwala regaling children;
Vehishta Kaikobad; Aban Rustomji;
painting rose bookmarks at Asia Society Texas Center
Photos: Yezdi Engineer and Percy Behramsha
The program saw nearly 500 attendees on weekdays and approximately 1,300 on the last day, noted a report from Vehishta Kaikobad who organized the program that featured performances, arts and crafts, stories, and food — all inspired by Navroz traditions! There were stalls where one could create Persian New Year greeting cards, learn to write one’s name in Farsi, a spectacular haft seen table display and a rare Shahnameh display from the ZAH library. Additionally an onsite artist, Edul Chikhliwala painted a beautiful "folio” from the Shahnameh, much to the delight of the audience. Another enriched presentation was the Silk Road display. The emphasis was on the Parthian connection across the three continents.
The morning activities over three days included puppet stories from the Shahnameh, interactive Persian dances by students and participants, Simurgh bird collage, clay butterflies, egg decorating, creating floral bouquets, coloring activities and games.
The main hall on the second floor was abuzz with activity on the final evening and packed to capacity, while the first floor offered delicious Persian food from Reza Grill. The grand finale commenced with a children’s story from the Shahnameh, followed by a verse from the Gathas in Persian and live Iranian music by Behzad Kaigobadi and family. The crowd was welcomed and greeted by Aban Rustomji after which Kaemerz Dotiwala recited an adaptation from Matthew Arnold’s poem Sohrab and Rustum.
Two lively Persian dances by the Iranian Cultural Foundation (ICF), songs and music from the Silk Road to the accompaniment of the erhu (a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument), a scarf/handkerchief dance from the Shan Dong province of China by the Dance of Asian American Academy, a traditional Afghani dance by the Shia Ismaili Council for Southwestern USA were the other items on display. The Baha’i organization participated with their greetings for universal peace. The ZAH team led by Yasmin Medhora depicted the many Indian customs and traditions that were adopted by the community following their migration from Iran to India between the 7th and 9th centuries. Finally Natalya Katrak and Jidina Mory of ZAH brought the house down with their interactive Bollywood dance choreographed by Arzan Gonda, director of Rhythm India Company. Additionally, the presence of Haji Pirooz (companion of legendary Amu Navroz) of ICF and emcee Zubin Mistry from ZAH made the event very lively.
"In honor of our service to the community and dedication to promoting Persian heritage and culture” ZAH was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, mentioned Kaikobad, lauding the cooperation of the Asia Society Texas Center and all volunteers and sponsors from ZAH for giving their time and talent wholeheartedly for the event.