Ali Khan Campos, 43, came from Portugal to Angola 17 years ago, his family being originally from Goa, India. He converted to Islam and has been an Ismaili for 13 years. To him, Navroz is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, introspection and forgiveness. He makes a point of starting the New Year anew, dropping all bad feelings and resentments. He also sees it as a time to strengthen his faith and the bond between him as murid and the Imam of the Time. He usually takes Navroz day off of work, but that does not mean he stays in bed till lunchtime; we wakes up early and practices his bandagi and makes a point on having a big lunch with his children. For this particular new year, Ali Khan wishes peace in the world, better understanding between the peoples of the world and a peaceful and swift resolution of the conflict taking place in Ukraine.
Chamim Aly is 62 years old and has been in Angola for 10 years – she came to join her family. To her, Navroz is an opportunity to assess if she is on the right track in terms of her personal and professional goals as well as an opportunity to renew her vows as an Ismaili. In anticipation of Navroz she usually conducts a spring cleaning in her home. What she needs she keeps, what she doesn’t need she donates to the less fortunate. Because family is so important to her, Navroz is spent with her family. She’s particularly happy this Navroz because she’ll spend it with her two grandchildren. She plans on having a big lunch with all the typical Indian specialties like samosas and biryani. This Navroz she wishes peace, health and prosperity to all.
Sonal Minsariya is 33 years old and she works with computers. She came to Angola from India 7 years ago, to be with her husband who has been here for 10 years now. She sees Navroz as a celebration, a special day to be celebrated with family. Sonal pointed out to us that attendance to Jamatkhana on Navroz day is absolutely guaranteed. The whole family is excited to go to Jamatkhana, for prayers but also for the celebrations, however they take place. They also mark the occasion by doing something different, for example by going out to a restaurant and having nice meal to celebrate Navroz. For this New Year, Sonal wishes courage and Mushkil Asan to everyone, whether people are facing health problems, personal or professional difficulties; and Mushkil Asan more broadly to the world whether the issue is the still on-going pandemic or the terrible conflict looming in Europe.
