Lovely photos of the renovated Methan Jamatkhana in Sidhpur, India

August 4, 2026

January 22, 1978, marked a historic day for the Methan Jamat. On this auspicious occasion, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, accompanied by Princess Salimah, arrived by helicopter, laid the foundation stone for a new Jamatkhana, and graced the Jamat with a Didar. The new Jamatkhana was built to replace the original one, which was constructed in 1928 (see photo below) . Mawlana Shah Karim’s father, Prince Aly Khan, visited the old Jamatkhana twice during his lifetime. The building was eventually demolished.

Old Methan Jamatkahana — *A view of the old Methan Jamatkhana, built in 1928, was located at a different site compared to the newly inaugurated Jamatkhana in 1987. It was eventually demolished.* *Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

I was excited to share photos of Mawlana Shah Karim’s historic visit in an exclusive piece for Barakah, a blog dedicated to the Imam of the Time. The Jamatkhana was officially opened nine years later, on April 26, 1987, accompanied by a Talika (a written holy message) from Mawlana Shah Karim conveying his blessings. He expressed the wish that the new Methan Jamatkhana would be a “symbol of Unity and a Symbol of Success.” He also reminded the Jamat of his earlier message when he laid the foundation, emphasizing his hope that the standard of living for Methan and the surrounding district Jamat would improve.

Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, accompanied by Princess Salimah, laid the foundation of a new Jamatkhana in Methan Village, Sidhpur, India, January 22, 1978. Photograph: Nazarali K. Momin/Akbarali K. Momin collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.

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Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, the 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, walks through the Methan Jamat assembled in a marquee tent (pandol) for a mulaqat (meeting) with their beloved Imam. Following him are Princess Salimah and the Mukhi and Kamadia of the Jamat, January 22, 1978. Photograph: Nazarali K. Momin/Akbarali K. Momin collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.

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Methan Jamatkhana inaugurated in 1988 — The Methan Jamatkhana was inaugurated on April 26, 1987, nine years after the foundation stone was laid by Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, on January 22, 1978. The building has recently undergone renovations, which are detailed below, along with the most recent photographs. *The Jamatkhana photograph shown above is before the renovations*. *Photograph: Nazarali K. Momin/Akbarali K. Momin collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

The website Onefivenine described the new Jamatkhana building and its lush green gardens as one of the most remarkable sites in the village, calling it a “peaceful and soul-relaxing holy place.”

Although the Methan Jamatkhana’s architecture and landscaping largely remained unchanged, the Jamatkhana has undergone several renovations in recent months, nearly 40 years after its opening. These include:

New plaster has been applied to the exterior walls of the Jamatkhana building;
Complete repainting of the Jamatkhana building;
First-floor prayer hall upgraded with a new air-conditioning system;
New Turkish carpet installed in the prayer hall;
Two new elevators installed;
Ground-floor social hall fully refurbished;
Red granite accent wall cladding installed on the facade, centred on the front wall of the building;
Refurbished white marble Islamic-design water fountain in front of the building; and
ISMAILI JAMATKHANA METHAN nameplates with Logo installed at the main and side gates of the Jamatkhana.

Members of the Jamat from the Sidhpur district, totalling around 2,500, began arriving on the morning of April 28, 2026, for a daylong celebration to mark the completion of the renovations. It is worth noting that, at one time, before migrations to other parts of India and to Europe and North America, the Sidhpur Jamat had a population of 20,000.

The re-opening day events included morning refreshments, lunch, dinner, and music. The traditional “Mamera” procession began at Methan Town Center, accompanied by an orchestra. As the procession moved forward, women sang Ginans (hymns) and traditional Ismaili songs, joined by leaders of the Jamat. The “Mamera” entered the grounds of the Jamatkhana through the main gate, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The Band Master saluted the Ismaili flag as the entire Jamat proceeded to the upper-floor prayer hall for Majalis and religious ceremonies. While renovations to the Jamatkhana room were in progress, the Jamat gathered in the social hall for prayers.

Mamero Methan Jamatkhana — *A scene from the Mamero procession led by Ismaili ladies from Methan Town Center to the Methan Jamatkhana. Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin* *collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

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The Mukhi expressed appreciation and acknowledged the donors who contributed land and materials for the rebuilding of the Jamatkhana. He offered prayers for the volunteers who dedicated their time during the construction period and on the day of the event. The celebration concluded with raas garba and midnight fireworks.

I’m excited to share photos of the renovated Jamatkhana, sent by members of the local Methan Jamat. I’ve chosen some images from many received, and I hope readers will join the Methan Jamat in celebrating this joyful occasion.

Metahn Jamatkhana — *The main entrance gate of the Methan Jamatkhana. Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin* *collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

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Metan Jamatkhana — *A stunning view of the Methan Jamatkhana lit with decorative lights on festive occasions.* *Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin* *collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

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*A view of the renovated Methan Jamatkhana. Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin/Akbarali K. Momin collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

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*The trees that line the fences of the Methan Jamatkhana. Photograph: Via Nazarali K. Momin* *collection, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.*

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VIDEO

The short video highlights a landscaped area where many birds have started nesting in the trees. Additionally, the honeybees that previously inhabited the exterior walls of the old Jamatkhana have now relocated to the new Jamatkhana building. This new Jamatkhana has also become a popular tourist destination for numerous visitors to Methan.

Accompanying the video is a Gujarati song that expresses the call for Mawlana Hazar Imam to visit Methan.

Date posted: August 4, 2026.
Last updated: August 7, 2026 (added photo of old Methan Jamatkhana built in 1928).

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Nazar Kasamali Moman — *Nazar Kasamali Momin*

Born and raised in Methan Village, Sidhpur, India, Nazarali Kasamali Momin completed his undergraduate studies in Mumbai. In June 1969, he moved to Boston, USA, to pursue a degree in computer science. After spending several years in New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina, he settled in Houston, Texas, in December 1981. In Texas, he and his brother operated retail and hospitality businesses. Now retired, Nazarali performs voluntary services for the Ismaili Muslim community. He holds the title of Alijah, which was bestowed upon him by Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, in appreciation of his devoted service to the Ismaili community.

Category : Ismaili Jamatkhanas, Sacred Spaces

Tags : Art, His Highness the Aga Khan, India, Ismaili Imamat, Ismaili Jamatkhana, Methan, photography, Praying House, Renovations, Sidhpur, travel

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