Ismaili Community Welcomes Chandelier Ceremony, Gears Up for Global Gatherings in Dubai

Excitement fills the global Shia Ismaili community as approximately 15 million members prepare to celebrate the arrival of the Chandelier, an emblematic prize associated with Global Encounters. Set to occur in Dubai between July 20th and 27th, 2025, this significant gathering seeks to bring together people from all corners of the world. Guided under the late Prince Karim Aga Khan’s direction, the community has consistently advocated for diversity and pluralism within Islam, highlighting these values' importance in societal progress. Prince Karim Aga Khan played a pivotal role in nurturing human talents, creative expression, artistry, and athletic prowess by founding organizations such as the Aga Khan Youth and Sports Board, Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, and the Aga Khan Music Awards. In fact, Pakistani musicians Sain Zahoor and Zarsanga received accolades at the Aga Khan Music Awards in 2022. According to Asif Abdullah Virani, who volunteers out of Hyderabad, Sindh, the current spiritual guide, Shah Rahim-Al-Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan V, intends to uphold his predecessor’s contributions to culture and arts via Global Encounters. The festivities include two main segments—Jubilee Games and Jubilee Arts—which started in 2007 and 2017 respectively, marking the anniversaries celebrating Prince Karim Aga Khan's fifty years and sixty-year tenure leading the community. Competitors hailing from various nations plan to demonstrate their capabilities during events held in Dubai. Members of the community based in Sindh look forward to welcoming the symbolic Chandelier with enthusiasm, organizing special receptions featuring cultural celebrations, dancing, and theatrical performances.

Exciting events are presently taking place in Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Badin, whereas community centers and residential zones in Karachi have previously hosted festivities through professional illumination of community spaces and the arrangement of cultural performances.

In a village within the Hyderabad district, the Chandelier was transported via an ox cart with the assistance of numerous community volunteers. This distinctive cultural display drew quite a crowd from among the locals.

Abdul Karim, a respected elder from the community, characterized Global Encounters as an occasion fostering peace, harmony, and various methods of contributing to societal well-being. This prominent gathering underscores the Shia Ismaili community’s dedication to these principles through meticulous planning for the important affair.

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