CHENNAI: Reviving the age-old tradition and culture has always been the mission of The Crafts Council of India, ever since it was established 50 years ago. As part of a line-up of events to mark its golden jubilee year, the council is bringing to the city the carefully-preserved tradition of Parsis that dates back to the 10th century. Usha Krishna, treasurer, Crafts Council of India, says that the community, which she believes includes 250-odd families in Chennai, are known for their rich artistic skills.
The event will explore Parsi culture through interactions with experts such as author and curator Pheroza Godrej, designer Ashdeen Lilaowala and philanthropist Tehnaz Bahadurji, who practises Zoroastrianism. Ashdeen, who specialises in gara embroidered saris, offers a glimpse of quintessential Parsi embroidery through his collection of textiles which will be showcased in the city between November 25 and December 3.
“The embroidery they use is beautiful, with satin stitches and motifs of flowers and cranes, which is more of a Chinese tradition. Parsis, who were into trade, are known to have been travelling between China and India. That explains the influence of the Chinese designs. Later, the Parsi families who settled in India, took interest in the embroidery and started making it themselves,” says Usha.
Parsis are known to have come from Iran to Gujarat. Traders by profession, they have always been associated with stocks and market, says Usha. “Even now, if you see in Gujarat, most of them are businessmen,” she says. They also have the practice of putting kolams, like South Indians do — the origin of this practice, however, still seems to be a grey area, she says.
Besides art, when it comes to food, there are a few specific items which would be present in every Parsi menu. Parsi Patrel (Colocassia rolls with a gram flour filling) and Batata Vada (potato fritters), she says. As part of the event, authentic Parsi food will be flown down from Mumbai on November 25. “Parsis like their biscuits with tea and other drinks include mint-flavoured chai with a tinge of lemon grass,” she says.
The event will also have a Phulkari exhibition that will feature rare pieces from Jasleen Dhamija’s collection.
For details, contact 9840438608.