By Arooba Zaffar
The vibrant display of national flags at Jalsa Salana UK is a striking symbol of the event’s international nature. Ever wondered how these flags were collected and preserved?
The collection of flags used for Jalsa has been a gradual process that began in 1985 during the time of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Fourth Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad (rh). During that time, a generous member of the community with connections at various embassies donated a bulk of flags to be used at the Jalsa.
Over the years, as the number of countries represented at the Jalsa increased, more flags were acquired. The community purchased additional flags to ensure representation from almost all nations around the world.
Given the age of most of the flags, they are stored carefully to maintain their condition. When the time for Jalsa arrives, the flags are retrieved from storage and meticulously ironed to ensure they appear neat and presentable for the occasion. The process of preparing the flags adds to the overall atmosphere of international unity and solidarity during the Jalsa.
Once the flags are prepared, they are transported to the Jalsa Salana site. With great pride, they are hoisted up on flagpoles, ready to flutter in the wind and symbolize the international gathering taking place. Each flag represents a nation and serves as a reminder of international event.
