The Parsi Community Bonds by Revisiting Ancient Traditions

Quiz nights, singing contests, mental wellness instructions, traditional cooking classes and daily prayers are just a few things that were on offer to help the Parsi community stay strong and resilient during these troubled times.

Miniscule in numbers yet formidable in impact, the ancient community of Zarthushtis — of which I am proud to be a part — continues to thrive through this tedious time in history, adapting to the need of the hour as best as we can. We organized through the team effort of our global associations to engage in sharing our creativity and spirit of community in looking after our own and our neighbors.

The great responsibility, squarely placed on the shoulders of Parsi scientist Dr Poonawalla, to produce the millions of anti-Covid vaccinations from his laboratory (the largest in the world) in Pune speaks volumes of our contribution as a community.

As we watch, bewildered, the number of deaths rise among our own, we also take joy in the wonderful stories of kindness and generosity among strangers that gladden the heart and rekindle faith in humanity.  It has only strengthened our trust and belief that all creations are equal and intertwined. Through all of this we continue to enjoy long distance socializing boldly facing adversity ensuring it leaves us feeling unbeaten.

On a personal note – I was asked to volunteer and start teaching traditional Parsi cooking. Starting with just 20 participants in March it turned into a success story of a ‘Zoom club’ with over 500 participants – welcome to anyone, with the tag line #revivinganancientcuisine.

As for all educators, there is always great learning in teaching others. While many of my students could already cook fairly well, there was a great desire to try something new or to become better home cooks. For some it was an opportunity to try their hand at old Parsi recipes that they had only heard about from their parents and grandparents. They were excited and appreciative. My reward in all of this was far greater than theirs – the ability to revive my ancient cuisine – the very core of our rich culture and heritage. And as the kind thank you notes with pictures of their proud dishes flowed-in, it was indeed joyful acknowledgement. Wonderful ancient recipes like chaapat (coconut pancakes) and kumas (saffron cake) were taught to a new generation. Chatty exchanges of various batasa (butter biscuits) and bhakra (fried tea cakes) filled the pages on social media. Many more traditional dishes which only “granny” used to make, like murumbo, ravo and daar ni pori were happily shared virtually. But mostly it was a series of proud moments for Parsi food and Parsi cooking that truly seem to have captured the hearts of our sparse community.

It is obvious from this crisis that human beings adapt to situations when necessary. This has been Mother Nature’s healer, uniting us. Making the best of the situation, many families grew together. The frontline and medical workers finally earned higher respect than the favorite sportsmen and actors!

My own kitchen has been no different. The music plays while the stovetop cooks up a storm. My oven bakes a variety of comfort foods and goodies. The kettle whistles insistently. But I am still missing something – people. I yearn for the friends and family who often visit our home and frequently stay to share a meal. I do miss my cookery luncheons where we cook and eat together, sharing our kitchen anecdotes.

While sharing food is the oldest form of socializing, I think the road ahead for some time is going to take on a different path. It will be important to keep both our feet firmly on the ground by cooking simply, using local produce in a familial style – exactly what Parsi cooking is all about. Let me assure you there is plenty of warmth to simplicity at any dinner party with close friends and family. The only ingredient that truly matters in cooking is love – which always manages to clearly shine through whatever we may choose to serve. Let us focus on the wonderful days ahead with a hope to be blessed enough to share once again with our dear ones, in good health.