Dawoodi Bohras celebrate Syedna's 102nd birthday

Known to lead by example, the enterprising Dawoodi Bohra community is celebrating the 102nd birthday of its spiritual leader, Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (TUS), in the city with a difference.

On Wednesday night, members of the community, including 4,000 Dawoodi Bohras, took out a massive procession with congratulatory messages for the spiritual leader in Camp area. In order to lessen the burden on the traffic police, this procession was supervised by Burhani Guards (trained security guards who are members of community) to ensure smooth traffic.

A few community members also carried black bags to pick up litter along the route to spread the message of cleanliness.

The birthday celebrations in Pune began 40 days ago, under the guidance of Abdealy HN Nooruddin, head of the community in Pune, where community members organised various activities such as an international cricket tournament, a tree plantation drive where 2,000 saplings were distributed, recital of the Holy Quran, prayer meets etc.

The highlight of the celebrations on Saturday would be a discourse by his heir Syedi Muffadal Bhaisaheb Saifuddin which is expected to take place in Mumbai.

During the Wednesday celebrations, Syedna reiterated to his community members what he has been preaching for decades, “I advice my followers to be loyal to the country they live in and be good citizens. Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has taught us that to love one’s country is part of one’s faith.”

@alifiyakhan