A good old fashioned Parsi food coma awaits you at the Udvada Utsav

Crunchy salli on a bed of succulent boti, fragrant berry pulao and raspberry soda to wash it all down. The sense of community and camaraderie in colonies filled with aunties and uncles talking to each other through open doors and windows. The Parsi community in India maybe small, but thanks to their distinctive mannerisms and contribution across industries (Dhansak, I’m drooling at you), this community needs to be celebrated, and protected at all costs.

Like all communities in our country.

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The Iranshah Udvada Utsav is a celebration of the Parsi Community in the quaint town of Udvada, Gujarat. At the Utsav, get a chance to see rising talent take the stage and mingle with heavy weight industrialists and famous community members who support the shows. A flea market of the best Parsi goods and services will be set up for all three days of the Festival. Take time out to visit the beaches of Gujarat, explore the rustic and warm streets of Udvada and experience the generosity, creativity and hospitality of the Parsi community first hand! Don’t forget, that the experience includes traditional Parsi meals every day! After all, life is fun with a Bawa friend!

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The Iranshah Udvada Utsav 2019 held in Udvada, Gujarat, from December 27-29 aims to do just that with a carnival of sorts — where you can participate in heritage tours, musical performances, cookery shows, photography exhibitions and fitness programs.

The last few years have seen notable Parsis like Shiamak Davar’s dancers perform, photographer Sooni Taraporvala, putting up a photo exhibit, and gara designer Ashdeen Lilaowala hosting a fashion show — and the latter two are slated to be at this year’s festival as well.

Set in Udvada, the religious centre point for Parsi Zoroastrians across the globe, the Udvada utsav is aimed at celebrating the community, and giving the rest of us a chance to enjoy their unique customs and traditions. And food. Always food.

History buffs, the coastal town of Udvada is of significance for the Udvada Atash Behram — the most sacred of the Zoroastrian fire temples in India and the oldest continuously burning fire-temple fire in the world.

Fitness expert Mickey Mehta, vlogger Sherry Shroff, TV personality and actor Viraf Patell will also be awarded at the event. For budding home chefs, if you’ve ever craved traditional bhonu at home, Hilla Aunty’s Cookery Show where she’ll share her culinary secrets will remedy just that. The three-day long flea market offering the best Parsi goods and services will keep you and your wallet busy.

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Try another one of our favourite comfort foods, Sali Boti packed with flavour ! Tap if this is a bit of you. #Food #foodie #foodporn #thewaywedoit #Britannia &co #instagood #instapic #instagram #mumbai

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While my own Parsi friends will probably guffaw at me for suggesting the Udvada Utsav as a weekend getaway (the town does have beautiful beaches), based on the number of times they’ve been dragged there by their relatives, there’s nothing that can keep me away from bhonu. and winter sunsets on the beach. ‘Tis the season to show solidarity, after all.

Register to attend the utsav via Iuu.net.in