"A hilarious Parsi skit” and women "posed in traditional garas” singing Parsi Amé Chhaiyé were presented by the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat (ZWAS) on Women’s Day. The event took place at the International Folklore Dance Fest 2.0 held at the Surat Science Centre on March 8, 2024. The words of the song "applauded eminent Parsis for all the good they have done in various fields,” The lyrics were penned by Kainaz Variava and rendered by Dilnaz Besania. The Assembly was invited to be part of the event, stated a report sent by ZWAS secretary Daizy Patel to Parsiana.
Top and above: members of the Zoroastrian Women’s Assembly of Surat celebrating Women’s Day
Participants in the skit included ZWAS president Mahazarin Variava, Patel, trustees Piloo Bhathena, Maharukh Chichgar and Besania, with members Keshmira Kharadi, Kashmira Palia, Behroz Karanjia, Nilufer Bavaadam, Vahishta Engineer and Nekshan Khandhadia.
Organized by the Taal Group, a dance troupe led by Kruti Shah and others, the event saw participation by "teams from Poland, Romania, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India,” noted Patel. The Group had toured many cities in India between March 8 and 11, noted the report.
Founder trustee Chichgar was honored for her contribution to the fields of education and public speaking. She also received the Rise and Shine Award "for being a powerful woman of the city” from the municipal corporation and the Women Entrepreneur Cell of Surat’s Chamber of Commerce.
Those in the audience included dramatist and Padma Shri awardee Yazdi Karanjia, the city’s mayor Daxesh Mavani, municipal commissioner Shalini Agrawal and past mayor Hemali Boghawala. Chichgar conducted the event.