Showcase on Zoroastrianism at the Indian Heritage Centre Singapore on October 6th, 2018 At the request of the Indian Heritage Centre in Singapore, the Parsi Zoroastrian Association of South East Asia (PZAS) held an event on Zoroastrianism, showcasing our history, rich cultural heritage, core values, dress and our cuisine (of course).

The main hall of the Indian Heritage Centre was decorated with Parsi Zoroastrian artefacts, including a Saes, Divo, Prayer Books as well as a Sadro, Kasti, Dagli and Garo. Our committee members were dressed in saris and daglis to add a traditional feel to the event.

The event started with a presentation by PZAS Vice President, Hormuz Avari, on Zoroastrianism. As very little (if not nothing) is actually known about the religion and community in Singapore, the presentation covered aspects of History of Zoroastrianism, core values, important symbols, rituals, the migration from Persia to India, our fire temples, huge contributions of the miniscule community to India and some important Parsi Zoroastrian individuals to India. In addition, there was a section on the Parsis of Singapore and their contributions and the recognition of the same. Hardly any of the non-Zoroastrian audience were aware that we have 2 roads in Singapore (Parsi Road and Mistri Road) recognizing the Parsis and that we are one of the 10 recognized faiths in Singapore.

The presentation was followed by a short skit on a mythological story from the Shahnameh (on Zaal and Rudabeh) performed by our young Parsi children. The skit directed by PZAS Committee Member Azmin Daver was a hit with the audience. The little kids really vowed the people present.

On behalf of the PZAS, a copy of the book “Parsis of Singapore” was presented to Mr. Saravanan Sadanandom and Suraendhiran Ramdas of the IHC, by PZAS President Neville Dotivala and Rusi Kanga (husband of the author Suna Kanga).

Of course, since no Parsi Zoroastrian occasion can happen without food, there was a food tasting event. The attendees were treated to mouth-watering ravo, dhansaak and kebabs, prepared by our PZAS Committee Members Natasha Karanjia and Monira Bhada.

The IHC representatives were extremely impressed with the event and mentioned that events such as this help deepen our connection with the wider community in Singapore.