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Partaking of a patra nu bhonu (dinner on a plantain leaf), some of them enjoying the experience for the first time, proved to be a memorable feast for the 120 diners who participated in the fundraiser organized by the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) youth committee and entertainment committee. This culinary event on September 10, 2022 served  multiple purposes: For the veterans it brought back memories of eating at a traditional Zoroastrian wedding and navjote in India. For the ZSO youth, it was a novel experience and helped generate funds to attend the Eighth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress in London next July.
As noted a report on the event by Sohrab Bhiwandiwala of Ontario, "The attendees consisted not only of Zoroastrians but also of curious foodies, and people around the city who had never had a traditional Parsi dining experience like this and wanted to see what it was all about. The young and ambitious Kayomaz Patel emceed the event and explained the style of eating (with hands) and the different dishes being served.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brought to the table of Torontorians was gajar meva nu achar followed by sariyas, chapatti, along with their choice of soda pop, patra ni machhi or the vegetarian option of paneer steak. After the servers cleaned up, sali boti and lagan nu stew were the next items on the menu, followed by chicken pulao and dal. The servers once again went around, this time carrying warm water, soap and a large bowl to wash the hands of every diner before the folded patras were cleared from the table. Lagan nu custard and gulab jamun were offered for dessert.
Prizes were given throughout the night for raffle tickets purchased earlier. Disc jockey Hoshi provided lively music. Rostam Pourmandgarian, who traveled all the way from Montreal to play at the event, opened the night with a piano and violin performance. Meherzeen Daruwala sang a song, and Benji Irani gave the final performance of the night with an opera tune that captivated the audience.
After the meal and entertainment, the floor was cleared for dancing. "The crowd began to groove to the latest sounds while several guests took advantage of the three-Canadian dollar (Rs 180) special shot and five-dollar (Rs 300) cocktails at the cash bar, the cheapest drinks in town,” stated Bhiwandiwala who along with Karishma Mevawala officiated as the bartenders, not only amusing the audience while making beverages for the guests, but also ensuring that everyone drank responsibly.
The event was "a wonderful success, with the food cooked by our household names, including Percy Daruwala and Kersi Khambatta, the help of the volunteers and the support of the attendees. We would like to thank the ZSO community at large and all those who donated gifts, alcohol, materials, and tickets priced at CAD 80 (Rs 4,800) for people who wanted to come but couldn’t afford them,” acknowledged Bhiwandiwala.
The active youth committee has already planned its next activities for the ensuing months. Zoroastrians Got Talent will be organized on November 12 when members of all age groups will be encouraged to compete and judging will be done by the audience. In December, the youth will bring the year to a close with a New Year’s eve dance on December 31. The youth are hoping their fundraising efforts will be supported on https://www.zso.org/donate.