From Kashmere Gate to South Delhi, the city’s Parsi community marks 100 years of influence across the national capital
Article by Vivek Shukla | The Patriot
Tucked inside the Parsi Anjuman is Delhi’s only Zoroastrian fire temple
The mood was upbeat on April 6 as sleek cars pulled into the Delhi Parsi Anjuman Building—a space usually quiet and understated. Inside, however, the atmosphere was anything but sombre. Laughter filled the hall as guests chatted over classic Parsi delicacies. It was a momentous occasion for the small but significant Parsi community in the capital.
Some had travelled from abroad—from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hyderabad—to be part of this celebration. Among them was Lord Karan Billimoria, who flew in from London.
It was a double celebration. First, the Delhi Parsi Anjuman (DPA) marked its 100th anniversary. Second, Rukshana Shroff’s book At Home in the Capital: The Parsis of Delhi was formally launched.
Delhi Parsi Anjuman: A century of legacy
Founded in 1925, the DPA has long been the cultural, social, and spiritual lifeline for Parsis in the city. For a century, it has preserved Zoroastrian traditions while evolving alongside Delhi’s changing landscape.
Not far from the Anjuman building is Kashmere Gate—once the heart of Delhi’s early Parsi community.
Parsis of Kashmere Gate
“We Parsis of Kashmere Gate were mostly born at Lady Hardinge Hospital. We had a close-knit community—doctors, teachers, lawyers, government servants, and businessmen,” the late Novy Kapadia once recalled.
Novy Kapadia
Kapadia, who belonged to one of the first Parsi families in Delhi, taught English at Khalsa College. He was also a noted football writer and commentator.
Perhaps the best-known Parsi family of Kashmere Gate was the Variavas. They ran the Apollo Hotel on Nicholson Road from 1939 to 1962.
“The Apollo Hotel was located just inside the walled city. It was old-fashioned, but it felt like home to the guests,” said Soli Phiroze Variava, son of Dr Variava.
When they arrived
When did the Parsis first arrive in Delhi? According to a marker at the Parsi cemetery on Prithviraj Road near India Gate, the first Parsis came in 1869. By 1912, there were 75 Parsis in the capital.
Initially shopkeepers and traders, the community gradually grew in number and influence.
Parsi children from Kashmere Gate often attended Presentation Convent School—then called St Theresa High School—near Red Fort, or St Columba’s School.
Novy Kapadia and his cousins studied at Modern School. After Presentation Convent became a girls’ school in 1950, many Parsi boys joined Modern School and Delhi Public School.
Power stations to textile mills
By the early 20th century, Parsis in Delhi were holding key positions across sectors—the Delhi Power Station, Railways, Singer Sewing Machine Company, and textile mills.
The DPA was formally established in 1925 under the leadership of Naorosji Kapadia. The city’s only Zoroastrian fire temple—established in 1961—stands within the Anjuman’s premises and continues to serve the community’s spiritual needs.
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There is also a Parsi Dharamshala within the Anjuman building, built with a Rs 60,000 donation from Seth Manchersha Mengusi of Bombay. It has around 48 rooms, mostly used by Parsi travellers.
In its early years, the Anjuman encouraged social mingling. Parsis would gather in Connaught Place on Saturdays to enjoy brass bands and home-cooked snacks.
Parsis also managed the Minerva Movietone Company’s Plaza Cinema. A Parsi social centre was set up first on the cinema’s rooftop and later moved to the Anjuman premises, offering games like badminton and cards.
Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital
A landmark Parsi contribution to Delhi’s healthcare is Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital. It was established in 1914 by Dr Sorabji P Shroff, whose two grandsons—also ophthalmologists—continue to serve on the board.
The current Daryaganj building opened in 1927 and specialises in both ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology.
“Shroff Hospital has been doing yeoman service to society. Having worked in Daryaganj for years, I can say it has set very high standards,” said Dr Rama Kant Tiwari, former Principal of DVA School.
Designing Delhi’s icons
Delhi owes some of its architectural icons to Parsis from Mumbai.
The capital’s first five-star hotel, the Ashoka, was designed by Prof EB Doctor. He laid out the hotel across 25 acres, with 500 rooms and space for 225 trees.
Another gem, the Oberoi Intercontinental (now The Oberoi), was designed by the Parsi architect and politician Piloo Mody.
The Nariman-Sorabjee era
For decades, two Parsis—Fali Nariman and Soli Sorabjee—dominated Delhi’s legal circles. Though originally from Mumbai, they made Delhi their home.
Soli Sorabjee
Nariman was known for citing a barrage of old judgements and legal traditions to back his arguments, with a memory that impressed even senior judges.
Sorabjee, often referred to as a “gentleman lawyer”, was admired for the clarity and precision of his arguments.
Parsis and cinema halls
Delhi’s Parsis have long associated themselves with iconic cinemas.
“All the Parsis were invited for free morning shows at Plaza Cinema, followed by soft drinks and snacks,” recalled Soli Vaivala. “Plaza was owned by Keki Mody, brother of actor Sohrab Mody. The manager was Bhumansa Sethna uncle. At Minerva theatre in Old Delhi, the manager was Sohrab Maneckshaw.”
Fali Nariman
Vaivala fondly remembered joining a group of kids from Kashmiri Gate for free film screenings.
Ritz Cinema, located near Kashmiri Gate, was another favourite haunt of the community.
Progressive leadership and community resilience
Located on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, near Delhi Gate, the DPA is now led by a mix of senior elders and young Parsis. Its leadership addresses contemporary challenges, including inter-community marriages and declining birth rates.
In 2018, the Anjuman elected Ava Khullar as its first female president—breaking 93 years of male leadership. This milestone reflected a renewed focus on inclusivity and progress.
The community continues to celebrate Navroz with vigour, with nearly half its members attending the spring festival, strengthening community bonds.
From Kashmere Gate to South Delhi
Today, one will not find a single Parsi family in Kashmere Gate. Most have moved to South Delhi and Gurugram.
In their personal lives, they continue to speak Parsi-accented English, Gujarati, and Hindi—an echo of their blended cultural identity.
As the Delhi Parsi Anjuman steps into its second century, it stands as a proud symbol of continuity—rooted in the Zoroastrian principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds