THE HISTORY OF
SHREE JAIN SANGH - DAR ES SALAAM
The Jains started to migrate into Eastern Africa in the later part of 18th century mainly to Uganda and Zanzibar and later to Tanganyika. Around 1885 some people started to arrive in Dar es Salaam. As time went on some more Jain people started to move in and it became evident that a place of religious worship was necessary. By 1930 the population of Jains reached 100 marks and on 15th August, 1930 the Jain Sangh was officially established.
As the influx of Jains continued the desire for more and more religious activities became stronger culminating in hiring a building in 1940 to carry out those religious and social activities. Initially a portrait of Lord Mahavir was placed in the building.
By the year 1950 the population of Jain reached 500 mark and the stalwarts of the Sangh thought of having their own Mahajanwadi, housing Derasar, Upashray, Social Hall, Pathshala, etc., so that all Sangh’s activities could take place at one place.
Having this idea in mind the Sangh purchased a building in 1950 along Jamhuri Street which was later disposed. Instead on 28th August 1957 two plots were acquired along Mtendeni Street for building a Derasar, Upashray and Social halls. Whilst this plot was being developed a temporary flat along Zanaki Street was converted into a religious place.
The foundation stone of the Sangh Building was laid by Shah Fulchand Kalyanji Bhanji on 13th October, 1957. The Jains of entire Eastern Africa including Zanzibar contributed generously towards this historical project. Our prominent elders of the time worked tirelessly to make this historic project materialize and in 1958 their dream came true. On 3rd August, 1958 the present Jain Sangh Building was officially opened by Late Shree Ramji Kara Shah. The auspicious Pran Pratistha Mahotsav was conducted on 27th August, 1958 and Idols of Shitalnath Bhagwan, Ajitnath Bhagwan and Sambhavnath Bhagwan were installed in the Derasar.
As time passed, the number of community members increased and it became inevitable to expand our community building. It was decided to build a large social hall, kitchen and a guest house above the kitchen on the adjacent plot of the existing building. The project was completed in 1970 and the opening ceremony was performed by members of Shri Sanghvi family.
Jains of Dar es Salaam have no sect difference and right from its inception all the Jains of different sects like Deravasi, Sthanakvasi, Digamber, Visa Oswal, Kutchi, Dasa and Visa all are strongly united without any distinction under the banner of Shree Jain Sangh and perform their prayers and participate in all religious and social functions firmly united under one roof, this is an unique example of unity, nowhere to be seen in the world. This is an example worth emulating by all the Jains elsewhere in the world.
It is only for the sake of convenience that Deravasi and Sthanakvasi tithies are used every alternate year to celebrate all the religious festivals.
In 2005, Shree Jain Sangh has celebrated Diamond Jubilee (i.e.: 75 years) of its inception, and this auspicious occasion was celebrated with various functions like, Bhakti program, Sound & Light show depicting the life of Shree Bhagwan Mahavir, Stavan Sandhya, and Shobha Yatra.
Religious festivals celebrated by Shree Jain Sangh are: Gnaan Pancham, Nav-Pad Ayambil Ori, Shri Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Divas, Payushan Maha-Parva, Diwali, Kartaki Poonam etc. As well as various sports, cultural, educational programs, Charity towards needy are organized during the year which brings in Sangh members for a get together to renew their contacts.
THE ANCIENT AND FOREMOST
DERASAR OUTSIDE INDIA – ZANZIBAR
The first and foremost most likely Jain Derasar was built outside of Hindustan in 1905 in Zanzibar, Island Spices and Sweet Water. The people from India started to migrate around the world in 18th Century and Jain Kutchi traders came to Africa Continent and settled in Island Zanzibar. Once the population of Jain increased in Zanzibar, they built Jain Derasar with 3 “pujanik” idols (Pran Pratishitha Bhagwan idols), Shree Pashwanathji, Shree Shantinathji and Shree Mahavirswami Bhagwan Idols.
During the revolution (war) in Zanzibar in 1964, all the 3 idol were shifted to Nairobi Visa Oshwal Derasar (at present also idols are there). In the year 2009 Shree Jain Sangh, Dar es Salaam renovated the Zanzibar Kutchi Jain Derasar Building. And 3 New same Bhagwan Idols were placed in same ancient Derasar building. Presently, Shree Jain Sangh Dar Es Salaam, is taking complete care to keep intake as this is one of Ancient Derasar and maybe only one in Africa Continent. Every year during Easter Holidays, Sangh Members from Dar es Salaam go to Zanzibar for Dhaja/Poojan Pratistha Mahotsav.
