We know only a portion of the Canadian Jamat are able to attend the Diamond Jubilee celebrations taking place in Portugal, but we’re going to do our best to make sure everyone back home gets to enjoy the experience along with those of us who are here.

With that in mind, we've asked a group of individuals to write about what they see and experience.

Each entry in Dispatches from Portugal will attempt to paint the picture of at least one scene. Our hope is the collection of all those scenes will make Ismailis around the world feel as though they’re here with us.

Hope you enjoy it, and make sure to keep checking back here for new posts. 

Omar Rawji - Dispatches From Lisbon Editor

Today was the first day of rehearsals and if I could sum it all up into a simple phrase it would be “artistic madness”. People running from one practice to another, tech rehearsals on one stage, private rehearsals in another room, registration at the other side of the venue, and so many amazing artistic events/workshops all over.

The most incredible thing about today was seeing how artists from different countries have come together to share their passion. All are present as one united group of people who love their art form and are willing to express it with every move they make.

From the creative directors of the show to the stage crew and all the volunteers helping, it is evident that so much thought and heart has gone into the preparation of this event.

With just one day until the talent showcases starts the venue is already buzzing with artistic energy and charm. I have no doubt the global Jamat is in for the treat of a lifetime - to witness the most talented individuals in our Jamat on one stage and expressing the gift they have been given.

As a performer, I can’t help but feel a little anxious during this whole experience because I have no idea what to expect. This opportunity is like no other and I can only imagine what the next few days are going to be like.

Hope you come back for my next post, when I’ll tell you about my performance on stage...  wish me luck!

The excitement began as soon as we walked towards the metro as we saw Diamond Jubilee billboards welcoming Mawlana Hazar Imam to Lisbon.

Arriving at the venue, it felt like a giant Khushiali celebration with Diamond Jubilee banners and members of the Jamat everywhere. The registration line was long but it was fun: behind me, a couple from Karachi, Pakistan, in front of me, a family from Atlanta, U.S.

We talked about our journeys so far, the places we’d visited, the people we know in common…everyone was thrilled to be here and to meet each other. After registering we headed to our first scheduled activity: visiting the Rays of Light exhibition.

At that point, the excitement was still there but the mood changed. The scene was tranquil as the volunteers slowly welcomed Jamati members and the experience began. Everyone was calm and quiet, looking at the pictures of Hazar Imam, learning about our history, smiling sometimes, crying sometimes, praying some other times. Each member of the Jamat experienced this visit in his or her own way.

After going through the Rays of Light exhibition, we were redirected to another room containing three booths. One booth showcased ocean wildlife photos taken by Prince Hussain Aga Khan. Another contained some of the artwork on display at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, and the last booth, called Ethics in Action, explained how the work of Jamati institutions helps different communities around the world.

To me, the combination of these three booths in one room showed how nature, arts and man are intrinsically tied together and how they can live in harmony.

At night, the party began with the Kings of Rhythm concert at Altice Arena. Thousands of Ismailis from around the world gathered to dance and celebrate.

We danced the night away and went to bed excited, happy, and ready for the next day’s festivities!

Until I arrived, I didn’t truly grasp the magnitude of the Jamat that would be present. Really, it is quite phenomenal. On Thursday, we attended the Kings of Rhythm concert featuring Cheb Khaled and Vishal and Shekar.

The performances were incredible, opening with popular Portuguese fado singer, Cuca Roseta, who enthralled us with her beautiful melodies. She even gave us a surprise at the end of her performance by singing the popular bollywood song “Tum Hi Ho” which the Jamat loved.

Cheb Khaled followed, and it was amazing to see him sing all of his most popular songs live. You could feel the excitement building in the audience members. Then Vishal and Shekar took the stage, and the party really took off. The audience was completely engaged and feeling the  the energy, thrills and excitement around was spectacular. I personally enjoyed seeing members of the Jamat both young and old dancing and playing dandia raas in the aisles and in front of the stage during the concert.

On Friday, many of us went to see Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Lisbon. As all of us lined the street, we watched his plane fly over our heads before landing. Not long after that, Hazar Imam drove by us with his window down, smiling and waving.

It was a great experience to be surrounded by so much excitement.

The first few days have been a great start, and it feels like the energy and excitement are only increasing.

This morning after a hearty breakfast of eggs, toast, a great cup of Meia de leite (half coffee, half milk) and of course, a mini pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart), I was ready to set off and explore my surroundings.

A short walk down the street brought me to the waterfront— a lively walkway along the Rio Tejo (River Tagus) teeming with selfie-taking tourists, runners and bikers. Originating in Spain, the Rio Tejo is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and it offers spectacular views. The 25 de Abril suspension bridge in the distance reminded me of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

I continued walking and came across a grand square that I soon learned was Praca do Comercio, the largest of Lisbon’s many squares. Walking through, I was pleasantly surprised to see a green turf area sectioned off, facing a giant screen. Banners posted around proclaimed it the World Cup Arena, where large crowds of football fans gather each day to watch the games and cheer on their favourite teams together.

Next, I found myself on a pedestrians only street that seemed to go on for miles. Lined with shops, restaurants and bakeries (and the ubiquitous pasteis de natas—seriously, you can get these just about anywhere), rua Augusta is downtown Lisbon’s main pedestrian only street. You can find popular international shops here as well as independent jewelry stores, street performers, artists, and vendors. Rua Augusta links the city’s two main squares, Praca do Comercio and Rossio.

I am excited to explore more of Lisbon as this adventure continues!

About a month before the trip, I was added to three different whatsapp groups for young professionals attending the trip—groups used to organize social events, discussions platforms, and some set up just so we could get to know one another before embarking on this experience of a lifetime.

Depending on the day and who’s playing in the World Cup, it’s not unusual to see discussions on where to watch the game and some friendly teasing about who will win the game!

One of the groups, used to organize social events for participants, filled up so quickly (who knew whatsapp had a cap for groups?) that another one was created. And another one. And another one. And now, there are 5 overflow groups which blossomed from that original one.

I have learned to turn off my notifications since the conversation really never stops as new friendships and bonds are created.

The.ismaili website has also been spectacular at involving Ismailis back home in this wonderful event. Each of the three International Talent Showcases were streamed live from the.ismaili website, allowing those at home (or anywhere, really!) to see the talent of our Jamat.

A daily schedule of events can also be found on the website, allowing attendees to choose between the different events happening on any given day. It’s not uncommon here at the #DJC to have several dance parties in different venues going on at once.

There is also an app for the Diamond Jubilee celebration available to keep the schedules at our fingertips.

Technology has also played a crucial role in the safety and security of the entire event. Each participant was given a waterproof wristband with a QR code on it. Tickets purchased for shows, concerts, and Jubilee Arts events have been stored on the wristband, and they have really streamlined the process of getting around to all the different events here.

Bravo to those in charge of this event!

There, I’m met with disapproving stares from my parents and the taxi driver who has been waiting for ten minutes outside the house.

We have a 3 p.m. flight to Montreal and from there we’ll travel to Lisbon, but try explaining to your parents that, YES, we are flying internationally but technically this is a domestic flight to Montreal (so going to the airport 3 hours early is excessive).

We arrive at the airport at 12:22 p.m. My mum remarks what great savings we got by taking one van taxi rather than two regular sized ones.

At check-in we immediately meet another Ismaili family, and after exchanging the obligatory kemchos, there really is a palpable excitement in the air as we anticipate the upcoming days.

Fast forward to the departure gate, which we reach at 1:15 p.m. My mum takes off with her walking stick to get her steps in - she is walking back and forth down the corridor.

I can hear my dad telling another Ismaili family what a lifesaver Nexus has been.  

Three more random kemchos later, it really starts to hit me how huge this event is as we keep running into other families who are making the same trip, and this is just in Vancouver.

I imagine a similar experience being enjoyed by thousands of other Ismaili families around the world. At 2:20 p.m. we are boarding our flight to embark on both our physical and spiritual journeys to Lisbon.

Can't wait to see what  is in store for us!

I meant to write my second dispatch a few days ago to provide a follow up on my performances, but that didn’t end up happening.

Why, you ask?

I had no idea I’d be caught up in a whirlwind of back-to-back performances for three days straight (with an immense lack of sleep!).

I was lucky enough to perform the Jubilee Arts Festival’s theme song at each International Talent Showcase on stage  - 5 shows in total - and to do also do a few pop-up performances at the Patio Mela.

This was all very hectic. I was literally running back and forth from venues, but it was a blessing in the end. I also had the opportunity to to perform in front of members of the Noorani Family two days in a row - an unexpected, yet incredible surprise.

The Jamat’s energy during all my performances was surreal and so uplifting. As a performer, the crowd gave me more power to sing and brought a huge smile to my face.

Seeing the world’s Jamat come together to enjoy the creative arts, and witnessing the Noorani family at these events was a dream come true. It was a testament to how valuable and inclusive the arts can be.

At the end of the day, this experience has shown me how talented and unique members of our Jamat truly are.   

You can see the official Jubilee Arts theme song here: https://youtu.be/MAtEovhxKak

This was an interesting excursion and we continuously bumped into Ismailis: old acquaintances and new - all identified by the Diamond Jubilee bracelets. It felt like an extension of the Jubilee celebrations as we were being greeted by Ya Ali Madad at every corner. In a way, seeing them enhanced the experience of the trip.

The Palace was absolutely exquisite. It was amazing to learn about the history of Sintra and its monarchs.

At the Moorish castle, it was interesting to see the presence of Muslim history in Portugal. From the Castle, we saw beautiful views of Pena Palace and Lisbon.

Following our day exploring Sintra, we spent some more time at the Diamond Jubilee venue site in Lisbon. While enjoying some of the incredible talent present in our Jamat, the audience and the artists were blessed with the wonderful surprise of having Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad join us as members of the audience to watch the International Talent Show - a daytime stage set up next to the International Art Gallery.

We could feel the excitement and the passion around us at having members of the Noorani family in our midst.

That evening we took in International Talent Showcase, where we saw the finalists of the National Jubilee Arts competitions perform. With each performance both in the afternoon and in the evening you could see the talent and expertise each performer had and the passion they have for their art.

I attended the performances on the first and third nights in a packed Altice Arena. The arena was buzzing with anticipation as the Jamat waited for their family or friends to perform, but also to discover items prepared by Ismailis from other countries.

On both days the MCs were hilarious and the crowd was entertained by the dances, the songs and the creative performances, and also by interacting with each other. Each performance was unique and, when seen in unison, they reflected the variety of talent we have within the Jamat.

During the final night of performances we received a surprise: Prince Rahim and Princess Salwa would be joining the Jamat to watch the showcase! Everyone stood, applauded and felt honoured to be part of this moment.

The different performances were magical: we watched a band from Iran, a guitar player from France, and a dance by Mirâs, the Canadian dance group, to name a few.

In one memorable performance, a young man from Canada brought people to tears talking about Allah and what it means for us to be Ismaili. Another group of dancers from the U.S. impressed everyone with their powerful and well-choreographed dance moves and a seven-year-old girl from India took everyone’s breath away while performing an aerial dance.

At the talent showcase, it did not matter whether we were from Canada, Australia, Kenya, Tajikistan or any other part of the world: we were all there to cheer for the Ismaili artists and appreciate what they prepared and worked so hard on for the past few months. The spirit of One Jamat could not have been more present than it was at these events.

At the end of these three beautiful days of shows, I hope the International Talent Showcase encourages more members of the Jamat to develop their artistic streak and that, in the years to come, another wonderful event like this will happen.

Being a huge Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan fan, it was a dream come true to hear him singing the qawwalis I grew up listening to right in front of me. His voice and his passion are indescribable.

During their performance, Salim-Suleiman shared a conversation they had with Mawlana Hazar Imam, in which he encouraged them to keep singing devotional songs.

After attending Jamatkhana on site, I went to see Prince Hussain’s photography exhibit which displayed stunning photographs of endangered wildlife. This showed me his concern for the environment.

After the exhibition, I joined the jamat for celebrations and mehndi night in order to prepare ourselves for the next day, Darbar day.

Words cannot express what a joyous and memorable experience it was—it’s truly something I will remember and talk about for years to come.

One of the highlights for me was the International Art Gallery. The grand space was filled with rooms and rooms of paintings, mixed media works, photography, sculptures, and even a running fountain. It also featured benches for gallery visitors to sit and contemplate works of art at their leisure.

While making my way through the gallery, one thing I tried to appreciate was how many hours of work was put into each piece.

One piece I enjoyed appeared to be colourful flowers from far away, but was made out of extremely tiny pieces of coloured paper rolled up into different geometrical shapes and placed precisely in a symmetrical way.

Another thing that struck me about the gallery was the global representation on display. There were many works from Ismailis in Syria, Iran, Bangladesh and many, many other countries. In some cases, we were lucky enough to be able to speak to the artists themselves and ask questions about what inspired them, and about their home countries.

I left the gallery with a deep sense of pride and an increased understanding of what makes us similar as Ismailis, even if we have different cultural backgrounds and upbringings.

The entire Diamond Jubilee celebration was truly a feast for all the senses. With so many programs, workshops, concerts and arts showcases to choose from, it was a packed week of rich cultural diversity that undoubtedly touched the hearts of all who attended and followed along at home.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made this celebration a success. It will truly be something to remember for years to come!