Hi Benny and Betty!
Long time since we met. Good to see on your website that you are still very much doing well!
Henriette and I are still living in Bangkok and we are doing fine as well.
I saw the picture and text about the Parsi temple. I did not recognize this building. Henriette and I visited a unused Parsi temple in 1996 together with John da Silva, Mrs Madden and a Dutch friend. The one story building was not in use any more but the fire utensils and painting from gods and previous Parsi prominents were still there.
I made a video about our visit. I am not sure if this is of interest for you and your readers?
I will add the YouTube link here.
Best regards to both of you
Henriette and Rob
Henriette and Rob
Parsis AGIARI in Zanzibar
The historical heritage site, Zoroastrian temple called Agiari (Parsis called the place shamba) in Zanzibar will soon be demolished, see the condition seen in this picture and its a prime land behind old golf club.
The only Agiari in Africa outside Mumbai. Understand ceremonial items were moved to Canada some years back...
One of the Talatis who was the custodian sold the shamba to Muzammils, they also took over Kowasjis Tembo House ,
Talatis House on main road and ex Sultana Cinema which was under Talati as well.
As you know only two Parsis left in Zanzibar, Mr. Bhomi and his daughter Diana, Mr. Bhomis wife was cousin of Freddie Mercury.
Talatis House on main road and ex Sultana Cinema which was under Talati as well.
As you know only two Parsis left in Zanzibar, Mr. Bhomi and his daughter Diana, Mr. Bhomis wife was cousin of Freddie Mercury.
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Dear Rusi Dalal cc: Tony Madeira
PROJECT TMRDBDS Monitored by Benny
As mentioned earlier, whilst on holiday in Zanzibar, I made a trip to view the Parsi graveyard where Tony was kind to show me all the associated problems and work needed to be done. I took some photographs added below.
The walls at the back are in a bad state and the side wall on the left has fallen down and would need attention at a later date. The solid METAL fence leading to the graveyard is made of solid wide strips of metal and is in good shape other than having to be clean the rust, some panels made straight and painted. It is a great barrier between the building and the graveyard which will remain well protected.
Tony has undertaken to handle the project and will provide photographs of work being carried out first of all a tidy up of all the bushes and weeds followed by cleaning the tombstones.
Tony has promised to forward photographs of work being done at various stages which I will add to this blog spot set up as a private blog just to show progress as work is done to the value of £500. (Some funds remain for on-going maintenance).
Once the basic work is done, there will be an ongoing maintenance of clearing weeds etc., and depending on how the funds last, Tony will advise what is next to be done.
The first stage is to make the Parsi graveyard respectable for members and relatives who visit Zanzibar.
(Tony has advised me today he has sent me some photographs which I have not seen and am chasing which I will add to this blog titled TMRDBDS which stands for TonyMadeira RusiDalal and BennyDeSouza. I have kept this blogspot address with initials so that nobody can access this project easily but Rusi is free to release link to his special friends and relatives as he pleases. This site is not for general release and if Rusi decides this blog should be removed, I will action immediately.
The reason I have setup this blogspot is to keep in place all progress development. I will monitor progress and I have no doubts Tony will do all within his powers to see this project through to satisfaction.
Will be in touch soon.
Regards
Benny
WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2014
Hi Benito ,
Hope all well at your end we have finished the first stage of the grave yard today on St Francis Xavier feast.
I am sending you all the snaps but I am putting a copy to John in case you dont get the snaps from me I am ataching to john he send them to you.
Sorry I dont know why you dont get them so I tried to send one to John and he got them.
Rgds Tony
= = = = = = = = = = =
Hi Tony,
Many thanks for your email messages sent today and all received fine with a couple of photographs and a short video clip. I have no problems receiving your emails and yesterday John sent me your first photograph which was the only one I did not get and inf act did not even get your email. Now all looks find and I am posting progress of the work done so far. Very good start much appreciated.
Tony please number photographs each time sent to avoid duplication. Hope the dead waste grass is removed, perhaps burnt outside the graveyard where there is plenty of open space.
Please check I have all the photos you sent and I would suggest since you use your smartphone to take photos, if you stand on the Left of the graveyard and take a snap across than from the Right, may cover the entire graveyard giving a better overview of the work actioned. Thanks.
Thanks.
Regards Benny
Dear Rusi Dalal cc: Tony Madeira
PROJECT TMRDBDS Monitored by Benny
As mentioned earlier, whilst on holiday in Zanzibar, I made a trip to view the Parsi graveyard where Tony was kind to show me all the associated problems and work needed to be done. I took some photographs added below.
The walls at the back are in a bad state and the side wall on the left has fallen down and would need attention at a later date. The solid METAL fence leading to the graveyard is made of solid wide strips of metal and is in good shape other than having to be clean the rust, some panels made straight and painted. It is a great barrier between the building and the graveyard which will remain well protected.
Tony has undertaken to handle the project and will provide photographs of work being carried out first of all a tidy up of all the bushes and weeds followed by cleaning the tombstones.
Tony has promised to forward photographs of work being done at various stages which I will add to this blog spot set up as a private blog just to show progress as work is done to the value of £500. (Some funds remain for on-going maintenance).
Once the basic work is done, there will be an ongoing maintenance of clearing weeds etc., and depending on how the funds last, Tony will advise what is next to be done.
The first stage is to make the Parsi graveyard respectable for members and relatives who visit Zanzibar.
(Tony has advised me today he has sent me some photographs which I have not seen and am chasing which I will add to this blog titled TMRDBDS which stands for TonyMadeira RusiDalal and BennyDeSouza. I have kept this blogspot address with initials so that nobody can access this project easily but Rusi is free to release link to his special friends and relatives as he pleases. This site is not for general release and if Rusi decides this blog should be removed, I will action immediately.
The reason I have setup this blogspot is to keep in place all progress development. I will monitor progress and I have no doubts Tony will do all within his powers to see this project through to satisfaction.
Will be in touch soon.
Regards
Benny
WEDNESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2014
Hi Benito ,
Hope all well at your end we have finished the first stage of the grave yard today on St Francis Xavier feast.
I am sending you all the snaps but I am putting a copy to John in case you dont get the snaps from me I am ataching to john he send them to you.
Sorry I dont know why you dont get them so I tried to send one to John and he got them.
Rgds Tony
= = = = = = = = = = =
Hi Tony,
Many thanks for your email messages sent today and all received fine with a couple of photographs and a short video clip. I have no problems receiving your emails and yesterday John sent me your first photograph which was the only one I did not get and inf act did not even get your email. Now all looks find and I am posting progress of the work done so far. Very good start much appreciated.
Tony please number photographs each time sent to avoid duplication. Hope the dead waste grass is removed, perhaps burnt outside the graveyard where there is plenty of open space.
Please check I have all the photos you sent and I would suggest since you use your smartphone to take photos, if you stand on the Left of the graveyard and take a snap across than from the Right, may cover the entire graveyard giving a better overview of the work actioned. Thanks.
Thanks.
Regards Benny
Hazel writes ......
This is sad - news.
Only Two Parsis left?
My Dad worked with The Talati Brothers especially after my Dad retired in 1957. He was on the TOWN COUNCIL, St John Ambul,ance and other comittees..as I saw in that Photo I posted on SJCSZAN Yahoo sitting next to Mr Abeidi Karume and Mr Sidwa .. Only WOMAN in the picture was Linda Rebeiro big sister of FR Llyod Ribeiro (gone to his RIP two years ago)
Also without Parsis Mrs Homae Bhumgara ( Mother of Hustasp Bhumgara..) there would be no Picture of me as "Miss Z" postedon KPZ
I am convinced it was intended for Yasmin Bulsara.. Parsis Beauty par excellence ..May 1961 .. No other "Goan GIRL" on the stage..
