Today in Pics: January 31, 2014

Thousands gathered in support of the new Syenda and 53rd Dai-ul-Mutlaq, Mufaddal Saifuddin at Azad Maidan on Thursday after the demise of his father, late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

The ex-communication of a breakaway faction was made public and a memorandum given to the chief minister so that the community’s support to the new leader is proven and no one else is recognised as the new Dai. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

The show of support was to discredit any wrongful claim by the breakaway faction claiming to be the rightful successors of the late Syedna. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

The gathering was organised by the local Anjuman-e-Shiate Ali (Bombay), an organisation that looks after the conduct of affairs of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Mumbai. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

The gathering saw the family of the late Syenda, including his first son Qaidjoher bhaiseb Ezzuddin, eminent members from the community and thousands of his followers. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

Dressed in whites, they chanted prefix ‘Maula’, which is considered to be a show of allegiance to the leader in the million-strong Dawoodi Bohra community. The speakers prayed that the successor be blessed with health. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

Welcoming the crowd, Qaidjoher said: “...People have tried to break our unity but we should stand united for each other.” (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

The breakaway faction that has announced Khuzaima Qutbuddin, brother of late Syedna as the new successor, will be organising a religious ceremony in Thane on February 4. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

A sea surfer form Japan, Katsuya Kachu, rides a bullock cart during the time-trial bullock cart race on the opening day of 78th Kilariapur Sports Festival known as the Rural Olympic in Ludhiana on Thursday. (IE Photo: Gurmeet Singh)