Photos: Calgary hosts a magnificent Aga Khan Foundation 2025 World Partnership Walk

Story and photographs by MALIK MERCHANT

After the Fanoos (lantern) was welcomed on Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, by the residents of Multi-Generational Housing (MGH), which I have covered HERE, I decided to do this year’s World Partnership Walk (WPW) on the following day, June 1, in Edmonton, my first home in Canada some 45 years ago. Then, after the Walk, I planned to visit the Aga Khan Garden, which is open until 10 PM during the weekend. My luggage was packed for an overnight stay in Edmonton.

An oversight of a security procedure that blocked my access to my two other websites, Barakah and Simerg, for almost a week was resolved just before I was due to depart for Edmonton. That immediately put me into top gear to publish the news that Ismailis had joyfully received on Friday, May 30, that Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, would visit France from July 11-13. I hastily tried to complete the update and leave home by 7 AM to be at the Legislature Grounds in Edmonton by 10 AM. Alas, a foggy brain delayed the completion of the update until much later, and I abandoned my trip to Edmonton. I perked up to go do the Walk in Calgary.

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And what a fantastic and inspiring day for everyone attending the event and me. The program began on time, with a few short speeches, and focused on keeping the crowd interested through engrossing entertainment, educational booths and activities for children. The food would come later, once the walk was over.

I started the day with a complimentary hot chai and paratha, then proceeded to a team of volunteers who described in what bins my empty food plates and cups should go into.

The morning’s program began with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, O Canada, and preliminary remarks by WPW’s lead team members. The growing crowd witnessed some stunning dance performances on the main stage. The corporate sponsors of the Walk in Calgary were introduced. We then did stretch exercises to prepare ourselves for the walk. A beautiful procession meandered through the crowd from the stage area to the START line. A WPF team member carried the Fanoos, which had arrived in Calgary a day earlier. Children were jumping and enjoying their time in the bouncing castle, a little further away.

For thousands of Canadians, the Aga Khan Foundation’s annual World Partnership Walk has become a noble event that transforms and improves the lives of millions of people in Africa and Asia.

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On the way, we were cheered by young yellow-shirted volunteers. The Walk continued growing throughout the morning, and many latecomers took the walk route rather than going to the food area. The WPW organizers left no stone unturned to ensure ticket and food lines flowed quickly and smoothly. Numerous stations for food distribution were set up. There was chana bateta, corn on the cob, cut-up mangoes, beef burgers, chips, juices, water, chai and coffee, and a condiment station. The seniors in the Jamat sat under shaded tents. Families ate standing and sitting, and my eyes turned to a group of very young children who were picking on mango slices and enjoying their taste.

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One of the things that always stands out at Ismaili events is the sense of community and discipline. The crowd is always well-behaved and respectful, and the police officers overseeing the event can relax, knowing there won’t be any need for disciplinary actions.

After the Walk, while everyone enjoyed their food, community spirit and talent were further highlighted as more entertainment was to come. Children and youth from the Headquarters Jamatkhana were recognized for their incredible contribution to the WALK, setting a high standard for other Jamatkhanas to compete with for future WALKS.

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I have taken WPW in several cities across Canada, but this was the most satisfying one because I stayed from the start until the end. I enjoyed the Walk and the stunning entertainment. Second, I was inspired by the dynamic contribution and enthusiasm of the youth of the Ismaili community. Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam, will be pleased with the voluntary work that is carried out by people of all ages, as was the case during the time of his beloved father, our 49th Imam Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV.

Enjoy the photos.

The captions are brief and, in most cases, do not include individuals’ names. Those who wish to receive high-resolution photographs may email me at mmerchant@simerg.com. Of course, I won’t charge for the photos. However, all requests should include an authentic telephone number to contact individuals.

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Date posted: June 2, 2025.
Last updated: June 3, 2025 (typos).

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