It’s time for a sprinkling of love, a dash of entertainment and lots of food and drink as Parsis gear up to welcome Navroze. Rhea Dhanbhoora helps you get in the mood
It’s a time to celebrate the arrival of the Parsi New Year with sweet treats, homemade delights, a comic evening, some entertainment and more food and drink than you thought you could stomach. If you want to celebrate, but aren’t sure how to start, here’s a list of the best places to get some food and entertainment.
Sweet something’s Leonidas introduces several boxes and tins of chocolates that salute the seven elements of life, namely, fire, earth, water, air, plants, animals and humans. Gift loved ones chocolate gift boxes with buttercream, marzipan, fruit paste, praline and ganache.
Where 1 Cornelian Building, 104 A.K. Marg, Kemps Corner
Saptami special Indulge in Parsi food this weekend with the special menu at Saptami. The menu includes Tareli Kolmi, Pattra ni Macchi , Murgi na Farcha, Salli Botti, Dhan dal patio, Gosh nu Pulao, Lagan nu Custard, Kulfi Falooda and Sagan ni Sev. The lunch buffet will be priced at `599 from 12.30 – 3.30 pm.
Where Saptami, Holiday Inn, Mumbai International Airport, Sakinaka, Andheri (E)
Bejeweled From the guardian angel Ashofarohar, to the fish symbol for good luck, Popley is offering a range of silver and gold specials for Navroze this year. The Ashofarohar is cast with detailing in 22 carat gold while the silver fish is ideal for table decoration or a gift.
Where Popley & Sons outlets across the city
ENTERTAIN YOURSELF
The one thing you can’t skip doing on Navroze (tomorrow) is heading down for a few quick laughs at a play (usually a Gujarati one). Here’s a few you can head over to this weekend:
Faramji Ni Film Utri: A Parsi Gujarati play written by Dorab Mehta and directed by Sam Kerawalla, it’s a humorous tale of the Indian cinema industry.
Get there At 7pm at Tata Theatre, NCPA
When God Said Cheers: A play about God bumping into a down and out man at a local pub is a hilarious way to enter the New Year.
Get there: At 6pm at The Comedy Store
DINE OUT
For the best Parsi food in the city to help celebrate Navroze, here’s where to go:
Jumjoji: Perfect for a festive meal, this is a slightly upscale Parsi restaurant and still very new to the city.
Where ONGC Colony, Near Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W)
Britannia: If you’ve never been to Britannia, you owe yourself a visit. Don’t miss out on the berry pulav.
Where Ballard Estate, Fort
Paradise: If you’re craving good dhansak, here’s where to head.
Where Near Strand Cinema, Fort
CELEB SPEAK
“Unfortunately, I won’t be in Mumbai this year to celebrate Navroze. I am going to Bangalore for a performance but I won’t be away from family. My brother lives in Bangalore so I will celebrate with him. I’m looking forward to some masti with him.”
— Delnaaz Irani
“I will be celebrating Navroze with my family. We will go to the fire temple, pray, eat some yummy Parsi food and then maybe watch a film together.”
— Kainaz Motivala