The events marked a convergence of community, culture, and celebration, drawing members and leadership from the Jamat into a lively gathering centred around the power of storytelling and shared traditions. These launches were not only an introduction to the book, but also a vibrant tribute to heritage, bridging generations and reinforcing community identity through reading and reflection.
This version of Ismaili Festivals brought Dr. Kabani's work closer to the Jamat, inviting them to engage more deeply with the stories and insights he shares. Attendees in Mumbai and Ahmedabad enjoyed an immersive experience, heightened by captivating performances from Namrata Gilani and Gaurav Gilani. Their musical artistry infused the events with joy and alluded to spirituality, perfectly echoing the book’s themes of unity, reflection, and celebration. The performances underscored the essence of Ismaili Festivals, blending cultural resonance into an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
As the first title in the IIS's Living Ismaili Traditions series, Ismaili Festivals: Stories of Celebration is designed to make academic scholarship accessible to a broader audience, presenting complex historical and theological insights in a way that resonates with the everyday lives of the Jamat. The book launch events in India journeyed through a variety of significant celebrations, from Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadir to Imamat Day, connecting them with heartfelt narratives from Dr. Kabani's personal experiences; ranging from his childhood in South Asia to contemplative nights in Texas and vibrant celebrations in London. The Gujarati translation made these reflections more relatable to both local and global Gujarati-fluent audiences, weaving shared heritage into a tapestry of personal stories that resonate with the Jamat.
The events also featured live Q&A sessions. Dr. Shiraz Kabani responded to questions from the Jamat, signed books, and connected personally with attendees. This engagement, along with the opportunity to reflect on the stories in Ismaili Festivals, is a testament to the Living Ismaili Traditions series’ mission to make scholarship accessible and relevant to the Jamat. Now available for order through local ITREBs the book Ismaili Festivals: Stories of Celebration invites community members to explore and celebrate Ismaili traditions, honouring the heritage that unites generations.
