The announcement of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Golden Jubilee visit to Paris filled Ismailis in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Côte d'Ivoire with happiness. The excitement is palpable in every Jamatkhana and Ismaili household.
Preparing the young
Bait-ul Ilm students in France prepare for the Golden Jubilee visit by creating their own messages for Mawlana Hazar Imam. Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for France
For many in France and the French jurisdiction Jamat, the Golden Jubilee Darbar will be their first deedar. The visit planning team has placed special emphasis on planning educational activities for newly-arrived members of the Jamat and younger Ismailis.
Young members of the Jamat attending Bait-ul Ilm are commemorating the visit by writing messages of felicitations that will be displayed at the visit hall. Other activities and events are being organised for the youth to express their thoughts about the fifty years of Mawlana Hazar Imam's Imamat and to share their excitement over the upcoming Darbar.
Preparing the Jamat
Local artists and cultural enthusiasts are rehearsing tirelessly in preparation for visit celebrations. Training is currently under way for the recitation of geets and devotional poetry as well as the performance of traditional dances, theatre, and expressions of shukrana.
Two major international Golden Jubilee initiatives will also be coming to Paris in the next few weeks.
A Mystical Journey will bring together nine world-class performances. Over 60 artists and musicians will lead the audience on a musical journey of the mind, body and soul. They will enlighten and entertain through performances of qawallis, ilahis, kalams and rock songs, as well as the unique dance of the whirling Sufis.
Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismaili Imamat is an exhibition that celebrates the tireless efforts of our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam during the past 50 years. The exhibition seeks to provide its visitors with an exceptional experience that stimulates the intellect and stirs the soul.
Preparing for the world
Members of the Jamat rehearse devotional recitations to be performed during the Golden Jubilee visit. Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for France
The French Jamat is looking forward to welcoming Ismailis from around the world, as Mawlana Hazar Imam's visit to France will be his final one of the Golden Jubilee.
Local volunteers are all undergoing training, aware that they will have a major role to play in the success of this auspicious occasion. New volunteer uniforms have been ordered for the visit, and special arrangements are being made to make sure that every murid from around the world feels welcome during their stay in Paris.
