Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

CALGARY - Calgary's close-knit Ismaili Muslim community is on pins and needles in anticipation of Sunday's visit by the Aga Khan, spiritual leader for the world's 15 million Ismailis.

The Aga Khan, who began his weeklong Canadian tour in Ottawa on Nov. 18, will fly into Calgary Sunday evening. The 24-hour Calgary stop, his first visit here in 16 years, will include a meeting with Lt.-Gov. Norm Kwong.

The highlight will be the Aga Khan's gathering with the community on Monday afternoon. More than 14,000 faithful are expected to pack the venue for his address and prayer session.

"There are about 10,000 Ismailis in Calgary and we're expecting more than 3,000 to come down from Edmonton and many others from across the Prairie provinces," says local community spokeswoman Sameera Sereda.