First Didar of the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Community Illuminates Hunza with Devotion and Lights

(Digital Itlaah) A spiritually uplifting ceremony marking the first Didar of the 50th Imam and spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, was held in Hunza district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Thousands of devotees from Pakistan and around the world arrived in Hunza to participate in the ceremony. This is Prince Rahim Aga Khan’s first visit to Pakistan after assuming the office of Imamat in February 2025, and it is being regarded as a historic and spiritually significant occasion for the Ismaili community.

The ceremony, held in the Gojal region of Hunza, was titled “Jashn-e-Didar,” where thousands of followers had the honor of seeing their spiritual leader. Extraordinary enthusiasm and excitement were witnessed throughout the area.

Almost all hotels, guest houses, and private residences in Gojal and Hunza were dedicated to accommodating guests arriving from different cities of Pakistan and abroad.

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was appointed to the position according to the will of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan, the 49th Imam of the Ismaili community, who passed away last year.

In Ismaili tradition, the Didar of the “Present Imam” is considered a deeply sacred and spiritual experience in which followers directly meet and receive blessings from their Imam.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the event was the exemplary harmony and brotherhood displayed among different sects in Gilgit-Baltistan. In Hunza, members of the Shia community arranged free transport for visiting guests, while Sunni residents in Gilgit set up refreshment stalls to serve participants.

Buildings, markets, and roads across the region were illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere everywhere.

According to Ismaili community organizer Rameez Ali, around 3,700 registered volunteers were serving during the arrangements, while more than 70,000 people attended the Gojal ceremony alone.

He said Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini’s visit would continue for a week, during which Didar ceremonies and spiritual gatherings would also be held in Chitral and other areas.

The visit also includes collective Didar sessions, prayer gatherings, meetings with local communities, addresses at various events, and meetings with government officials.

Additionally, ongoing development projects under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) will be reviewed, including initiatives related to education, healthcare, environment, electricity, internet connectivity, rural development, and employment.

A Hunza resident, Naseema, who arrived from Lahore with her parents for the Didar, described it as the most memorable moment of her life.

She said they reached Hunza two days earlier, and a local family in Gojal hosted them in their home.

“We did not know anyone in Gojal, but the love and sincerity with which people welcomed us is beyond words,” she said. “Our hosts told us that serving visitors coming for the Imam’s Didar is an honor for them.”

Another local resident, Arsalan Ali, said the entire Hunza region is immersed in celebration.

“There are lights everywhere, people are awake all night, and the streets and alleys are filled with joy. People are wearing new clothes to express their love for the Imam,” he said.

“This scene is only witnessed during the Imam’s Didar, and this occasion is even more special because it is the first Didar after his accession to the Imamat. For us, it feels like Eid upon Eid.”

Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was appointed the 50th Imam of the Ismaili community on February 6, 2025. He is the eldest son of Prince Karim Aga Khan and Princess Salimah and was born on October 12, 1971.

He studied in the United States and has played an important role in various AKDN projects. He is particularly interested in environmental protection, climate change, poverty reduction, and development initiatives.

Currently, he also serves as Chairman of the Environment and Climate Committee of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The global Ismaili Muslim population is estimated at around 15 million, including more than 500,000 in Pakistan.