The echo of each beating drum bounced through the hall; the vibrations of the triangle troupe was felt in the distance. Anticipation built, as the Jamat awaited the beginning of the One Jamat launch, which commenced with a parade. The parade featured the Midwest Pipe Band, Youth Marching Band, the Aging Gracefully Initiative Triangle Troupe, and members of local and national Jamati leadership teams, each focused on one of Hazar Imam's wishes for the Jubilee Year.
Shaz Merchant, a youth volunteer from Cleveland, felt proud to be able to see the banner he contributed to in the parade, saying: “being able to see each Jamat’s banner illustrated their hard work and dedication, in the same way that the Imam is committed to achieving his Diamond Jubilee objectives.”
The parade and the Jamat’s excitement kept spirits up for the rest of the One Jamat launch. This included a song and dance performance, weaving together the cultures and origins of the Jamat, including India, Pakistan, Syria, and Tajikistan. It was a truly memorable performance and gave everyone an opportunity to showcase the roots of our fellow Ismailis.
Performer Rahima Jamal from Naperville described being a part of the One Jamat launch as a way for “the Jamat to meet me in my space, through dance.” He was particularly proud to create “the spark that will light the way for the rest of the Diamond Jubilee year. The launch was a magical experience, coming together, and seeing the talents of our Jamat from different traditions.”
Another highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the Reflections Lounge, composed of different activities for the Jamat throughout the day, such as the Early Childhood Development Zone, Comfort Lounge, game rooms, My Journey to Homage exhibit, and the Treasure Hunt. Everyone was given a "passport" to check-in at each station.
Brenda Rehmani, an interfaith member of the Ismaili community from Milwaukee said of the My Journey to Homage exhibit: “It was highly impactful and thought-provoking, helping me examine closer the role of the Imam to the Ismailis and his encouragement of voluntary service.” She added: “The volunteers stationed throughout the Reflection Lounge served the Jamat selflessly. Without their hard work and efforts, the opportunity to celebrate, rejoice and reflect on the Diamond Jubilee of Hazar Imam would not have been there.”
Sameer Samani, another youth volunteer from Glenview, reflected on his experiences serving at the Opening Ceremonies as a “once in a lifetime opportunity to see my own actions - setting up, being present, interacting with the Jamat - having a lasting impact on each person who took part in the Reflections Lounge activities.”
The spirit of volunteerism was present throughout the day, whether one was performing for the Jamat, providing assistance to seniors, or preparing food. This same joyful spirit followed through to the end of the night, during dinner, and the smiles on the Jamat’s faces were heartwarming as people celebrated, listening to music by the Midwest Ismaili Band.
In the midst of the festivities, we were given the opportunity this coming year, to reflect, listen, pray and celebrate with one another as we seek to embark on our personal Diamond Jubilee Journey. As Sameer thoughtfully explained, “The Diamond Jubilee of Mawlana Hazar Imam is an opportunity to bring yourself back home - to remind yourself what it means to be an Ismaili Muslim and our diversity as a Jamat.”
