The Khoja Heritage Day 2024 highlighted the richness of Khoja culture and history through two remarkable programs held in Dar es Salaam. Organized by the Africa Federation Archives Section in collaboration with the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, these events emphasized the importance of art and language as key pillars of heritage preservation and community identity.
Khoja Heritage Day Through Art and Creativity:
Heritage serves as a bridge connecting us to our past, shaping our identity, and enriching our future. On Saturday, 2nd November 2024, the Khoja Heritage Day Through Art program was held at Mehfil Abbas (‘A), bringing cultural roots to life through an engaging art activity for children aged between 7–12 years.
Facilitated by the Hidayat Workshop Team and Strokes TZ, the program encouraged children to paint vibrant canvases that artistically depicted the origins and journey of the Khoja community. This creative endeavor not only nurtured artistic talents but also deepened their appreciation for their cultural legacy.
Adding an educational element, Sister Amena Bhimani and her team curated a captivating mini-exhibit on Khoja history. With thoughtfully designed displays and engaging explanations, the exhibit inspired curiosity and meaningful discussions among the children about the heritage.
The event also included moments of light-heartedness, such as a photobooth where participants captured joyful memories, and refreshments that fostered a sense of camaraderie. These thoughtful touches made the day both meaningful and enjoyable for all involved.
Khoja Heritage Day Through Art exemplified the dedication of the Africa Federation and the Dar es Salaam Jamaat to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By creatively engaging the younger generation, the event highlighted the importance of instilling a sense of pride and belonging, ensuring that our heritage remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
Khoja Heritage Program - Illuminating the Significance of Mother Tongue and Legacy
Language, as the lifeblood of culture, weaves generations together, carrying with it the values, faith, and resilience that have defined the Khoja journey across centuries. It is through language that traditions are preserved, identities are nurtured, and legacies are passed down. With this spirit, the Khoja Heritage Program was organized on 17th November 2024 at the KSIJ Imambargha in Dar es Salaam.
The program, open to both ladies and gents, emphasized the importance of preserving the Gujarati language as a mother tongue. Br. Mohamedabbas Muhammad, as the master of ceremonies, ensured a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The event commenced with a soulful Qur'anic recitation, followed by the captivating Pratham Ali in Gujarati—a traditional recitation deeply rooted in Khoja heritage. This rendition honors the Holy Imams and reflects the intertwining of the community’s faith and language over generations.
The highlight of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme "Our Mother Tongue" moderated by Br. Alihassan Kassam. The session featured esteemed panelists, including Alhaj Mustafa Fazal, who gave the opening address, Dr. Amir Lakha (joined virtually), Br. Abbas Somji, and the LMC Chairlady Fatim Bai Somji.
Alhaj Mustafa Fazal highlighted the critical role of Gujarati in uniting the Khoja community, cautioning that its decline threatens unity and intergenerational ties. Panelists emphasized its significance in shaping identity and urged parents to nurture a love for the language in their children, fostering cultural pride, stronger generational bonds, and the survival of shared heritage.
The program also included a video documentary, Migration of the Khojas, which traced the community's journey from India to East Africa, showcasing resilience amidst challenges. The documentary stirred emotions and sparked renewed pride in the audience.
The evening concluded with heartfelt remarks from Zainul Bhai Chandoo, Treasurer of Africa Federation, stressing the need for collective efforts to preserve Khoja heritage for future generations. Alhaj Mohamedraza Dewji, President of KSIJ Dar Jamaat, delivered an inspiring message on upholding our mother tongue and cultural roots, followed by a vote of thanks from Honorary Secretary Alhaj Hasnain Sherali.
Attendees then enjoyed traditional chana bateta and chai, fostering a warm and communal atmosphere that reflected the event’s themes of heritage and unity.
The Khoja Heritage Programs were a poignant reminder of the community’s enduring legacy, the beauty of its language, and the resilience of its heritage. It reaffirmed a shared commitment to preserving these treasures for generations to come.
One important factor which emerged repeatedly during the program was on the unity within our community has been the mainstay to steer our community through various challenges and tribulations, the emphasis shall therefore always be on unity – as the late Murrabbi Alhaj Ebrahim Sheriff Dewji, the past Chairman of the Africa Federation had a slogan, which echoes till today - “Ek Bano Nek Bano” - એક બનો નેક બનો.
The Africa Federation Archives Section extends its deep gratitude to the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam for their invaluable collaboration in hosting jointly the Khoja Heritage Day programs. We look forward for similar collaborations in the future, Insha’allah.
We sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of the Africa Federation Office Bearers and the Secretariat for their encouragement and cooperation, which were pivotal in ensuring the success of these events.
Our special thanks go to the Hidayat Workshop Team for the engaging art activity and insightful display on Khoja history. Finally, we acknowledge the dedication of the volunteers and the participants, whose collective efforts made these programs a meaningful reminder of our cherished heritage. Together, we strive to preserve and cherish the enduring heritage of our forebears for future generations.
SECRETARIAT
ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION
30th November 2024 / 28th Jamadiul Awwal 1446 A.H
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