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An unidentified boy

An unidentified boy

Champaneria Photo Store Co., Surat
circa 1920

Photograph with studio mount
14.8 x 12 in. (37.6 x 30.5 cm.)

A newly initiated young boy dressed in complete priestly regalia of jama pichori and shawl ready for his navar ceremony. The ceremony would initiate him into priesthood. He carries the gurz in his right hand which is symbolic of priesthood. The coconut in his left hand symbolizes both the outer/physical and the inner/spiritual world. The turban or pugree is worn before the ceremony.

An unidentified Parsi gentleman

An unidentified Parsi gentleman

Bhedwar Studio, Bombay
circa 1890

Photograph with studio mount
10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.3 cm.)

Parsis going abroad would generally get their photographs done at studios with such a backdrop, giving an illusion of romanticism. Bhedwar studio was one of the early studios that did such photographs and thus was very popular among the Parsi community of Bombay.