The Bawas of Bombay

The bawas or Parsis of Bombay (yep, they still call it that) are a unique & distinguished breed by themselves. Unique mainly due to the fact that they are instantly recognizable among most throngs of people due their Iranian colouring (ruddy complexion, high foreheads, prominent nose structure & last but not the least…an ability to have an opinion on everything & be quite vociferous about it). And distinguished due to their, what is now known as, a typically bawa accent or manner of speaking. I am half one…(on my mother's side of the family).

However there is definitely more to this colourful community that merely appearances. For instance the food…Parsi cuisine has a flavour that sets it apart form most cuisines. It is mainly non vegetarian as Parsis are a meat-eating lot. In fact it would be quite safe to mention, that most of them think, that God did not place them at the top of the food chain to be vegetarians. Parsi wedding feasts are a production in themselves. Everyone loves to be invited for these…mainly due to the excellent food & alcohol served. The former is a necessity & the latter a compulsion. Alcohol is a key ingredient for losing bawa inhibitions in a social gathering & the open bar tradition is one that is most diligently upheld by every bawa worth his sali-par-eedu (a Parsi snack made of potato sali & egg). Woe betide anyone should the alcohol supply at a wedding/navjote party/house party ever dwindle. The host in question would in all probability face excommunication, or at the very least, be the subject of many a hushed conversation for quite a while afterwards.

It is actually a sight to behold all of the matriarchs of the various families dressed to the nines in their emerald broaches & the men resplendent in the spotless white dugli. The very epitome of old-world charm & dignity…EXCEPT when the announcement for dinner is made. “Jamwa chalo jee” (or come to the dinner table) is the battle cry equivalent for all hell to break loose, as grace & poise are tossed by the wayside in a bid to get the best patra ni macchi & lagan nu custard. However no matter how delectable the food, there will always be that one gentleman or lady who will take it upon themselves to be the Devil's Advocate as far as the quality of the food is concerned…claiming they have had better. I think they look upon it as a test of weather or not they would be considered as connoisseurs, depending on their ability to critique. (My own grandfather is one such individual…90+ & as opinionated as ever ! ).

However the Parsi community also believes in doing their bit for the betterment of society.A lot them are patrons of fine arts. Eg :- Contemporary artists, Opera, Western classical music, Duke's Raspberry Soda, vintage cars…all owe their survival in this increasingly cutthroat commercial competition to the unfailing patronage of the bawas of Bombay.

In conclusion it is a safe analogy to equate the bawas with the salt in a dish…One may not necessarily taste it in the food …but it would be unthinkable to make one without it.