The final restoration of the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-e-Meher in Secunderabad was completed in time for the fire temple’s 101st salgirah celebration on July 14, 2021, roz Ardibehesht, mah Asfandarmad. The verandah and bungli had been renovated earlier, but work on the adarian saheb and the sanctum sanctorum concluded just in time for the milestone anniversary.
Renovation work, which started in 2019, was expected to finish in time for the grand centenary celebrations planned for 2020; but the coronavirus pandemic struck and during the lockdown workmen were not available.
"About 140 Zoroastrians of Secunderabad and Hyderabad and some managing committee members attended the 101st anniversary jashan," said Roomie Vakil, who is on the managing committee of the fire temple’s trust. The prayers were recited by Ervads Aspi Patel and Minoo Karanjiya. The jashan was followed by mithoo mohnu (refreshments) comprising malido, papri, cheese sandwiches, samosas, kachoris and banana cake. After the jashan, senior trustee of the Parsi Zoroasatrian Anjuman of Secunderabad and Hyderabad (PZASH) Jehangir Bisney spoke about the fire temple’s renovation, thanking fellow senior trustee Khoty Chenai, honorary secretary Kersi Patel and Homi Chenoy for their efforts and voluntary services. Thereafter PZASH president, Goolbanu Chenoy, presented them with mementos of Asho Farohar coffee paintings made and donated by Hoofrish Bisney.
Top: 101st salgirah of Secunderabad’s Chenai Anjuman
Dar-e-Meher; above: new mural
The new mural of the bas relief depicting the victory procession of ancient Persian soldiers of Persepolis was unveiled by Perviz Nalladaru who, along with her daughters, donated it in memory of her late husband Petarasp Nalladaru.
The many beautiful photographs in the Jashan Hall were reframed and pelmets redone. At age 91, Chenai supervised this huge task, ensuring that the photographs were taken down safely and placed back.
Kersi Patel, who is also honorary secretary of PZASH, spoke of the renovations that he oversaw: Painting was done both inside and outside, new tiles laid, the sanctum sanctorum was cleaned and painted, vitrified tiles cladding was used on the walls of the inner room, the marble was polished, door and window jambs replaced, cupboards refurbished, all fittings cleaned and exhaust and ceiling fans repainted. Rosewood cupboards were topped with granite. "The Dar-e-Meher will look good for another centenary now," says Kersi, giving credit to Homi for helping enormously.
The Dar-e-Meher’s garden, always beautifully landscaped with Chenai taking great interest, now looks even more serene and beautiful with peace lilies, euphorbia, adenium, snake and rio plants and ixoras, to name a few. The garden between the Dar-e-Meher and library was extended with a new area laid down using debris from old tiles, mud and fertilizer. Many new plants are being grown there, while the old large rose bushes are still flowering profusely.
Committee member Saam Chinoy noted, "Funds were donated by many well-wishers and these were used for the renovations."
"Having seen scores of agiaries all over the country, I can confidently say that the Anjuman agiary would be at the top in maintenance and aesthetics while still keeping the religious ethos intact," avers Bisney.
Beyniaz Edulji