The Bohra community - a celebration 

By Jamila Najmuddin

'Heavy celebrations' have already begun amidst the  'Dawoodhi Bohra Community', a minority community in Sri Lanka, to celebrate the birthday of the community's spiritual leader, Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.

The Bohra community are followers of the 52 'Dai-Ul-Mutlaq', Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin and celebrations have already begun to celebrate Syedna's birthday which falls on June 10.

Originally from India, the community consists of over 3000 people in Sri Lanka.Speaking to The Sunday Leader, President, Bohra Community in Sri Lanka, Janab Miqdad Bhaisaheb, said that although originally from India, migration of Bohras to other countries started around three centuries ago and that the community is now scattered all over the world.

Migration

"There are around one million Bohras worldwide and after the migration started, Bohras are now settled allover the world like in America, Europe, Africa, Far East and Middle East. We are a community that follows strict adherence to the guidance that is given by his Holiness, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in the way of our lifestyle, achieving our goals and how to stay peacefully in a peaceful environment with all other communities. The main goal of the religion is to fulfill one's self and reach perfection and lead a peaceful life," Miqdad Bhaisaheb said.

"The Bohra community is described as a business community world wide and also as a peace loving community. We are a Muslim community and are the followers of Prophet Mohammed," Miqdad Bhaisaheb said.

Celebrations

According to Miqdad Bhaisaheb, every year, the community celebrates the Holiness's birthday with many celebrations.

"Every year, in Sri Lanka several events are held within the community to celebrate His Holiness's birthday and as a result this year too numerous events have been planned. A 'peace procession' was performed by the community on Prophet Mohammed's birthday on May 8 and another procession will be carried out on Syedna's birthday as well carrying the same message of peace," Miqdad Bhaisaheb said.

Bicycle race

According to Miqdad Bhaisaheb, a bicycle race was organised on May 9 as a part of the celebrations where altogether 93 participants contested.

Miqdad Bhaisaheb said that a total of 93 contestants were chosen because this year was Syedna's 93rd birthday and a distance of 52 kilometers was marked for the entire race as Syedna was the 52nd spiritual leader of the community.

On May 16, an event to recite the holy book of the Muslims, the Quran was also held at the Bohra mosque premises where many people from the community participated.