Showcasing the diversity of the global Jamat
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Saturday evening will see a repeat appearance of the International Bazaar at Stone City, an event that took place on the eve of the Opening Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Games earlier during the week.
The Bazaar was an opportunity for participants to showcase the history of their Jamats and the development of Jamati institutions in their countries. It was also a chance to present the unique cultural, economic and social conditions that characterise their lands of abode. Bazaar organisers worked with pride to ensure that the experiences were enriching and fulfilling for all members of the Jamat who visited. Content was well-prepared, and stalls were filled with culturally specific artifacts, pictures, music and sound.
Members of the Jamat dance at the Tajkisitan desk in the International Bazaar. Photo: Zahir Daya
Visitors were also treated to tastes from around the world such as spiced African tea, authentic Arabic coffee and halwa, and freshly prepared fragrant rice or pilau from Central Asia. Highlights of the Bazaar included henna application at the Tanzania stall, traditional dancers who drew in excited Jamati members in the Tajikistan tent, and a visual journey in the Kenyan stall tracing several hundred years of the Jamat’s history since their migration from India to East Africa. In addition to the cultural components, stalls also shared important information on the various Aga Khan Development Network projects in their countries.
Members of the Jamat celebrate at the International Bazaar. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
An outdoor “Maasai Market” enabled visitors to shop for popular African souvenirs, and many tents sold crafts representing their respective countries, with visitors leaving the Bazaar with unique finds such as books, music, arts and crafts and traditional apparel. The vibrant energy and exchange of cultures led to an exciting evening that the overflowing crowd was reluctant to see end.
Many tents also sold crafts representing their countries, and visitors left the bazaar with unique finds including books, music, arts and crafts and traditional hats. The positive and vibrant energy led to an exciting evening, and the crowd was reluctant to see it end.
Fire eaters perform at the Carnival Ya Kenya. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
Accompanying the Bazaar, Carnivale Ya Kenya kicked off with stunning displays of acrobatics, dance and music. Several stages dotted the Stone City marquis, each featuring different music, dance and singing performances. The vibrant Burundi drummers, colourful Maasai dancers, coastal Taarab musicians, and Sarakasi Trust dancers each engaged the audience in a series of cultural experiences from across the African continent. Market stalls sold tasty street food popular in Kenya, including roasted corn, mogo (cassava) crisps and other local favourites.
Local artists perform at the Carnival Ya Kenya. Photo: Akber Dewji (Hakim Sons)
The Carnivale concluded with members of the Jamat and athletes from Afghanistan, India and Tajikistan clapping and cheering and getting into the Carnivale spirit. They broke into a spontaneous fusion of Afghani, Pamiri and raas dances, engaging the excited spectators. The night was filled with memorable moments and heartwarming interaction between vastly different cultures, setting the stage for the camaraderie of the eagerly anticipated Games to follow during the week.
