Ismailis celebrate Aga Khan's birthday

Report Waqar Ahmed CHITRAL, Dec 13: The Ismaili community in Chitral celebrated the 76th birthday of their spiritual leader, Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV with great pomp and show and enthusiasm on Thursday. [caption id="attachment_6354" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="A Salgirah cake is being cut in Chitral."][/caption] Reports received here from different parts of Chitral, especially Yarkhun valley, Laspur, Mastuj, Booni, Garam Chashma, Arkari, Madaklasht etc., said that special congregations were held to celebrate the event. On this occasion, cakes were cut in houses and religious organizations and offices. People said bakery and other shops saw huge rush of buyers in Chitral, Mastuj and Booni for about three days. Chiraghan were held on Wednesday and Thursday nights in all the villages populated by the Ismaili community. In many areas, people also gathered to hold musical programmes. This year, in Chitral, all the AKDN organizations, including AKES schools and colleges,  also made special arrangements to celebrate the Salgirah. In Chitral town, Booni, Mastuj and other areas where mobile phones services are available, the Ismailis sent each other SMS  wishing Saligarah Mubarak. Even those from other communities also wished the Ismailis happy Salgirah.]]>