Tuesday Talk Culture in Touch

A joint event presented by Oshwal Association of the UK & Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe

Join us for an enriching evening celebrating two vibrant communities with deep roots in Harrow’s cultural, social and economic heritage. This unique event will start with two shorter talks  1) Crossing Continents: A Tapestry of Oshwal tales and 2) Fire, Faith & Community: Exploring Zoroastrian Heritage in Harrow. The talks will be followed by hands-on opportunities to explore cultural objects, hear oral histories and get involved with activities. Why not come along to learn how to wear a sari or try Garba dancing and visit the Stories of Harrow temporary exhibition in Headstone Manor and Museum.

Talk 1: Crossing Continents: A Tapestry of Oshwal tales 

Hear powerful migration stories tracing journeys from East Africa and India to Harrow. This talk blends oral history, personal artefacts, and community memories to highlight how Oshwal families have contributed to Harrow’s cultural, social, and economic life. Join conversations, view historical items, or share your own experiences of migration and community building.
 

Talk 2: Fire, Faith & Community

Exploring Zoroastrian Heritage in Harrow. Discover the rich history, beliefs, and traditions of the Zoroastrian community in Harrow - home to ZTFE (Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe), the oldest Zoroastrian community organisation in Europe, established in 1861. Through storytelling and guided discussion, learn more about the social history, rituals, and heritage objects that illuminate one of the world’s oldest faiths. This event celebrates a vibrant, lesser-known community whose presence contributes uniquely to the borough’s diverse identity.

The session will highlight migration journeys and settlement stories that shaped Harrow’s Zoroastrian community over time, as well as exploring key values such as “good thoughts, good words, good deeds,” and how they are practiced in everyday life today.

We’ll discuss how heritage is protected and shared - through oral histories, family archives, community gatherings at the ZTFE Centre, and the passing down of language and customs. Attend to gain deeper insight into this ancient faith and its modern-day community impact.

Drop In workshop and participatory activities

After the talks, enjoy drop-in access to workshops or visit the temporary exhibition. Learn how to wear a sari or tie a pagri and join an object handling session to hold traditional and everyday artefacts that bring these rich cultural stories to life. If the weather is kind, relax outdoors on picnic blankets and tables - feel free to bring your own refreshments to enjoy in the fresh air - there will be a garba dance workshop and opportunity to participate in lively dancing. Note that no food or drink is permitted inside the museum buildings. 

Oshwal Association of the UK (OAUK) is a vibrant, community-led charity with nine satellite areas, including its largest hub, OAUK North West London.  Led entirely by volunteers, we support a diverse community with roots in East Africa - including Kenya and Uganda - and India. Through a rich programme of health, welfare and wellbeing, culture, heritage, social and faith teachings, education and youth services, we bring people of all ages together. Our work strengthens connections, builds friendships, and celebrates shared identity and is mainly delivered from Ekta Centre in NW9 but a more than 80% of our 8,000 members reside in the Borough of Harrow.

Crossing Continents – Stories of Harrow captures the powerful migration journeys of Oshwals that have shaped our community - stories of change, movement, resilience and belonging
The Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (ZTFE), established in 1861, is the oldest Zoroastrian charitable organisation of South Asian origin in the UK and Europe. It plays a central role in preserving and promoting Zoroastrian religious, social, and cultural life, serving the community from its secretariat at the magnificent Grade II* listed art deco Zoroastrian Centre in the London Borough of Harrow. ZTFE represents one of the UK’s nine recognised world faith communities and works closely with government, interfaith, and educational bodies to support and promote Zoroastrian interests.

This talk is part of  the Stories of Harrow programme preserving the heritage of underrepresented communities in Harrow. Stories of Harrow is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and managed by Harrow Giving in partnership with Headstone Manor and Museum. Thanks to National Lottery Players.