Parsi Dharamsala in Secunderabad wins World Heritage Day-INTACH Award 2025

Hyderabad: Parsi Dharamsala has won the World Heritage Day- INTACH Award 2025.

The World Heritage Day INTACH Hyderabad awards function was held at Parsi Dharamsala in Secunderabad on April 18.

Parsi Dharamsala

Established in 1889, Bai Pirojbai Edulji Chenai Parsi Dharamshala was a private property donated by the Chenai family for the use of Parsis visiting Hyderabad. The Dharamshala has a large hall built in 1893, and another small hall built in 1919, known as Jamshed S. Chenai Hall.

It also has a beautiful metal pavilion known as Edulji S. Chenai Pavilion, built in 1929. The metal columns and fixtures were imported from Switzerland. Many happy occasions like weddings, navjotes (thread ceremonies), meetings, and ‘ghambars’ (community dinners) have been held here.

Defence Buildings

Five colonial buildings of the defence forces were also given awards. These include EME Centre Officers Mess, Secunderabad; MCEME Officers Mess, Secunderabad; AOC Officers Mess, Secunderabad; Air Force Station, Hakimpet; and Cantonment House. The INTACH committee also honoured the MH or Military Hospital, Secunderabad, with a special citation.

Anuradha Reddy

Anuradha Reddy, convenor of INTACH, Hyderabad chapter, said at the awards function. “It’s been 30 years since the awards were instituted by INTACH. The awards keep a connection of the city with its built and natural heritage. It recognizes efforts by individuals and institutions in preserving and cherishing heritage.”

Award Function

The trustees, Soli Chinoy, Darius Chenai, and Jamshed Chinoy, immaculately dressed in white Parsi ‘daglis’, welcomed the guests at the Dharamsala. Women in exquisite ‘Gara’ saris brought the awards to the pavilion, showcasing Parsi culture. It was Parsi hospitality at its best. As Anuradha Reddy put it, “It is a small community with a big heart.” She mentioned that the INTACH awards were given earlier to all 3 fire temples of the Parsi community in Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The function was very well attended despite the downpour. The defence forces, both serving and retired were well represented, as was the Parsi community of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and members of INTACH. A sumptuous high tea was served too.