Over 10,000 Dawoodi Bohras from all over the world will congregate here on Thursday to hear a sermon of their community head, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, on the occasion of Chehlum.
Chehlum commemorates the 40th day of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Husain.
The Syedna, who is on a 10-day visit to the city since November 6, would deliver the sermon at Burhani Masjid on south Kolkata's Topsiya Road, a spokesman from the commmunity said on Wednesday.
This is Syedna's first trip to the eastern metropolis after acceding to the leadership of the community in 2014 following the death of his father, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin.
In his sermon, Syedna Saifuddin is expected to narrate the tragedy that befell Imam Husain and his family in Karbala, highlighting the principles of justice, sacrifice, brotherhood, forgiveness, kindness and piety represented in this tragedy.
He would also counsel the local Kolkata congregation on key religious and socio-economic issues impacting their lives, and urge them to remain loyal and patriotic citizens of the nation, contributing fully towards its development and betterment of their fellow citizens.
During Syedna Saifuddin's stay, various community programmes would be held including the ceremony of "Rasme Saifee" (mass marriage) and programmes promoting education in the community.
Senior government officials and leaders of other faiths are expected to meet Syedna Saifuddin, who has been accorded the status of a state guest, and discuss various issues pertaining to the betterment of the city and its inhabitants.
The Dawoodi Bohras have a long history in Kolkata, with many major business houses belonging to the community contributing to the economy of West Bengal.
Apart from their traditional strength in the hardware and textiles businesses, many members of the community have now branched out into emerging ones like real estate, software and communications.
--IANS
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