Parzor working towards preserving the grand ethnic Parsi textile

Parzor Foundation, a non-governmental organization invites all to its first exhibition of Parsi Embroidered Products in Chennai. The organization works towards preserving the grand ethnic Parsi textile heritage and culture. Parsi textiles is a small scaled industry but a unique part of India’s textile heritage.

The unique embroidery is a global art form that draws its best from the east and the west. A revival will not only awake this dying craft but also enhance the skill sets of Indian craftsmen and in turn develop the textile world.

The main aim of the Parzor Project is to create awareness about the Parsi Zoroastrian heritage which is a blend of four distinct traditions – Iranian, Chinese, Indian and European. These people are known for their Parsi embroidery, which clearly portray the roots of their origins. Parzor, along with the help of the Government of India, Textile Ministry, and languishing crafts programme has worked out a plan to revive this ancient craft, train Indian artisans to acquire new skills as well as support the Parzor research through the sale of the items created.

A non- profit organisation, all the members of Parzor are volunteers and the sale proceeds from all items, books, and the films are put back to further its research programme. The first Parzor craft workshop took place in Ahmedabad in the quiet precincts of Kankaria Hall, in the Prasi Fire Temple Complex where, Muslim karigars and master craftsmen taught Hindu women, Dalits and tribals from Radhanpur as well as women from the earthquake affected areas of Kutch and other villages this unique craft.

This clearly reveals that this craft encourages a blending of communities and cultures and acts as a vehicle to mitigate poverty by providing employment and livelihood, to those who wish to learn the craft and the people who know the craft. This is for the first time in Chennai, the crafts exhibition will be held at Hotel Greysuit, R A Puram on July 11. The collection at the exhibition will include traditional motifs, stoles, purses, bags, mobile covers, gift envelops and more.