In 2019 Australian Baha’is are joining in worldwide celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Bab, the Herald of the Baha’i Faith.
The festivities will culminate in thousands of celebrations taking place in Australia and throughout the world on 28-30 October.
Born in 1819, the Bab was a prophetic figure who revitalised religious teachings, calling for spiritual and moral renewal including improving the status of women and the situation of the poor.
He gained thousands of followers before being put to death in 1850.
The Bab’s mission was to prepare the way for Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha’i Faith.
The transformative power of the teachings the Bab foretold is reflected in Baha’i activities today, which seek to contribute towards a vibrant and inclusive community based on the principle of the oneness of humanity.
Because the Bab and Baha’u’llah were born on successive days, two years apart, their births are celebrated each year as consecutive or ‘twin’ holy days.
In 2017 we celebrated the bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah. Selected images from the celebrations across Australia can be seen below.
This year we are celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of the Bab.
Illumine is a mini festival by a collective of professional Queensland based artists, Bahá’ís, from diverse cultural backgrounds – Ruha Fifita, Minaira Fifita, Temily Calabro and June Perkins. A sister event was organised by the Byron Bay community, NSW, featuring mainly local artists Helene Safajou, Sara Gore, Dr Ruth Park, Francoise Teclemariam, and Deborah Jorgensen
This year is the bicentennial of Bahá’u’lláh’s birth. Bahá’ís around the world are commemorating this anniversary through devoting their creativity and service to humanity to his remembrance, and an ongoing commitment to his vision that the ‘Most Great Peace’ is on its way.
We invite you to explore the theme of ‘Illumination’ with us through paintings, poetry, performance and photography – whatever your spiritual and cultural pathway.
“. . .let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. . . Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine . . .”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
On the 6-8 October in Brisbane:
- Performances of song, music and dance on official opening night, Friday 6th October 7.30 pm
- An art exhibition 7-8th October
- Workshops in tapa, mandala, art from poetry
To be held at Magda Community Artz, 80 Boundary Rd, Bardon
OFFICIAL OPENING Friday 6th October 7.30 pm.
Workshops Over the Weekend
Mandala (for children and families)
Mandala (for youth and adults)
Painting on Tapa (13 and up)
Poetry from art and as Art (youth and adults)
On 13-16 October, Gold Coast:
- Devotional and Opening on Friday 13th October, 7.30 pm
- Art Exhibition 14-15th October
To be held at the Bahá’í Centre, 137 Cotlew Street, Ashmore, Gold Coast
OFFICIAL OPENING Friday 13th October 7.30 pm.
Sister Event 28-29th October Byron Bay, New South Wales
A sister event was organised by the Byron Bay community, featuring mainly local artists Helene Safajou, Sara Gore, Dr Ruth Park, Francoise Teclemariam, and Deborah Jorgensen
- Art Exhibition
- Play on the life of Martha Root
- Multicultural Concert
Organised by Byron Bay Bahá’í Community
This one will feature Tom Francis and other musicians.
Concert 29th October 6pm
Acknowledgements
We thank and acknowledge our two main sponsors for this initiative the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Gold Coast, and Magda Community Artz as well our dear families and friends. Also a huge shout out to the Byron Bay Spiritual Assembly and their artists for going with a festival of the arts concept.
Please Note
Some of our events, like the concert on opening night at Magdas and workshops, will have a small cost attached to help cover our expenses and you can inquire to artists if you wish to purchase work.
However, we are primarily doing this project in the spirit of service and as a gift to the remembrance of Bahá’u’lláh.
Background
The Bahá’í Faith is a worldwide religion based on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892). He said that the time had come for the people of the world to put aside their differences and to unite on the basis of the teachings that he had brought.
Visit the following slide show to find out more about the life of Bahá’u’lláh
You can find out more about World Wide Activities for the Bicentenary HERE
Be Illumined 