In the letter "Forgotten dharamshalas” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, January 21-February 6, 2020) Armine M. Bharucha mentions that there are dharamshalas in many parts of India which people are unaware of. In the editors’ reply there is reference to a book compiled by the undersigned listing the dharamshalas.
I had authored and published The Zoroastrian Pilgrim’s Guide in 1999, now sold out, which contains details of all places of worship for Parsis, i.e. agiaries, atash behrams and dadgahs as also dharamshalas not just in India but throughout the world. The book contains a map of India showing all places of worship as well as tips for Zoroastrian pilgrims and priests/dharamshala managers. I have also authored the All India Directory of Parsi Institutions 2010 and a second edition in 2015, both of which were published by the N. M. Wadia Charities and available with them (Tel: 022-22674271). The Navsari Parsi Directory published by The WZO Trust Funds in January 2019, available at its offices in Bombay and Navsari, also lists 45 dharamshalas in India with names, addresses, telephone numbers, area codes and e-mail addresses. Davier has a new dharamshala as also Saronda, both of which are adjacent to their agiaries.
Our noble ancestors founded Parsi dharamshalas, sanatoria and convalescent homes at hill stations such as Matheran, Panchgani, Deolali and close to the sea in Udvada, Zai Bordi, Dahanu and Bhimpor for community members to holiday in and recoup their health at affordable cost. Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Poona, Navsari, Surat, Sanjan, Valsad, Calicut, Bangalore, Billimora, Secunderabad, Uran too have dharamshalas, some of which are well patronized and managed while others have closed down or remain neglected. Perhaps the Federation of the Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India can send lists/details of dharamshalas to all anjumans and suggest how these facilities can be better utilized by the community. MARZBAN GIARA
Navsari
marzbang@gmail.com