Ismailis conclude celebration of their leader's Imamat

Mumbai's Shia Ismaili community's week-long celebration to mark the diamond jubilee celebration of the leadership of their spiritual head His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan's, culminated on Wednesday.

Aga Khan's leadership as the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community began on July 11, 1957, following the passing of his grandfather Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. To mark the celebration, Aga Khan, who lives in Paris, asked his community to promote early childhood and primary education, strengthen community institutions, and invigorate civil society.

Besides participating in activities such as dandiya, mehendi, flash mobs and community dinners, the community also opened a bone marrow transplant unit at the Prince Aly Khan Hospital in Mazgaon.

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, also known as the lsmailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. Ismailis are spread across the central and south Asia, Africa, the Middle-East, Europe, north America, In India, they reside mainly in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana.

"To mark the anniversary, the bone marrow transplantation opened on July 12. Plans for redevelopment of the hospital are also in the pipeline," said Dr Sanjay Oak, CEO of the Prince Aly Khan Hospital.