Durbanites gather for Baha’i celebrations
People gathered to celebrate the oneness of the human family in honour of the 200th birthday of the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah.
MILLIONS of people of diverse cultures and religions gathered together to celebrate the oneness of the human family in honour of the 200th birthday of the Prophet Founder of the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah, on 21 and 22 October.
In Durban, Ela Gandhi, Deputy Mayor Fawzia Peer, the KZN Inter-religious Council, the Director of the International Centre for Non-violence, Crispin Hemson, representatives of the provincial government, civil society and professional musicians, offered tributes to the life and teachings and contributions of Baha’u’llah to the peace-building process locally and internationally.
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The Baha’i Faith is relatively unknown to the South African community, although Peer confirmed that the Baha’i Faith has been present in the country since 1905. Tracy Khuzwayo, Baha’i Public Affairs representative, explained this is not only due to the fact that it is the youngest world religion, but also due to the apartheid government’s severe restrictions placed on Baha’is who have always gathered together across racial lines.
The weekend’s celebration included interfaith prayers, music by Young Mbazo and Lu Dlamini, and a documentary on Baha’u’llah’s life and teachings. His guidance reveals teachings on how to forge a united and ever advancing global civilisation founded on justice, respect for diversity and equality of women and men.
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The shared goals of the South African Constitution and this young world religion were put into practice over the weekend when hundreds of people gathered together at the Durban Jewish Centre on Saturday, 21 October and at the Baha’i Centre on Sunday, 22 October to celebrate their diversity and interact with people of all colours, cultures and religious backgrounds.
To attend upcoming screenings of the documentary along with musical presentations celebrating unity in Hillcrest, Glenwood or at the Bat Centre over the next few weekends, contact ethekwini@bahai.org.za for further information for these free events. Visit: www.bahai.org
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