The Navjote Book: An activity book for a young Zoroastrian written and illustrated by Delzin Choksey. Published in 2023 by Crispy Doodles Design and Illustration, C/o On-Lyne, E-604, Remi BizCourt, Off Veera Desai Road, Behind Empire Studio, Opposite Supreme Chambers, Andheri (W), Bombay 400053. Pp: 110. Price: Rs 899.
Activity books come in all shapes and sizes. There are some that strengthen mathematical skills, some that introduce children to animals or countries or planets, some that exist just for the joy of joining the dots and solving mazes. And now, one that shows youngsters in the community what it means to be Zoroastrian.
Delzin Choksey: active seeker
The Navjote Book by Delzin Choksey, a California based illustrator and author of children’s books, is a unique activity book that imparts big messages in small and enjoyable ways. At the very beginning of the book, Choksey explains the idea of the navjote — what lies behind the lights and festivities. "It might seem rather ordinary to wear a topi or a scarf and tie the kusti but trust me there’s nothing ordinary about what happens to you when you wear a sudreh and kusti,” she writes. "It transforms you and makes you stronger, braver, kinder, wiser and you become a superhero!”
Through the book, Choksey attempts to answer questions about religion in a simple — and occasionally simplistic — manner. She provides a step-by-step guide for tying the kusti and a translation for numerous prayers. "Prayers,” she says, "are a way to talk to Ahura Mazda but they also help us build brain power, which we need as superheroes.”
Above: colorful illustrations of a navjote celebration
These explanations may prove useful for parents of children who are at the threshold of their navjotes. It is, however, the activities and colorful illustrations by the author that will attract the book’s younger readers.
Choksey has incorporated Zoroastrian concepts like Asha and sagan into the games and puzzles that are the mainstays of conventional activity books. So there is a "Kusti prayer Word Search,” and an "I Spy” game that encourages children to find all the "ses and achhu michhu” articles on the page. There is a "follow the path to be a good Zoroastrian” maze and a navjote crossword, while the amusing illustration of a navjote celebration is the backdrop for a "Find the Hidden Words” game.
Then there are pages of stickers and activity sheets that must be cut out, folded and assembled into topis and torans and board games. Not to forget illustrated recipes for sev, ravo and custard.
In short, this is a useful and entertaining book for young Zoroastrians and their parents — all of whom will find themselves taking part in the kusti race.
The book has been sponsored by The World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) Trust Funds, The WZO Trust for Women and Children and the WZO Trust. While thanking Dastur Khurshed Dastoor and Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karania for sharing their knowledge, the author has acknowledged Prof of English Coomi Vevaina’s assistance in copy editing the book and mentioned that she received inspiration from Pareen Lalkaka’s activity book Zarathushtra and Me, which was a part of her childhood. SHABNAM MINWALLA
Minwalla writes for newspapers, plays mother to three teenagers, devours murder mysteries and shops for saris. Her absolutely favorite activity is writing books for children.