On Oct. 22, members of the Bahá’í faith celebrated in Crowne Plaza Hotel in central Albuquerque event, symbolically remembering the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of Bahá’í.
This event represents a very spiritual watershed moment in history believed by this faith.
In the early 19th century, Siyyid Ali-Muhammad was born into the Persian family believed to have been descendants of the prophet Muhammad. This child grew up to be known as Bahá’u’lláh, a religious founder and leader of the Bahá’í faith.
Much like Ramadaan, the date of this event, recognized as “the Birth of the Bab” or “the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh,” is different from year to year.
This year, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh fell on Oct. 22. The celebration this year is especially large, given that this event is the bicentennial anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
Traditionally, this day is celebrated with a cease of work and an increase in spiritual activities like readings from holy works, prayers and attending social religious events.
Before the event began, a meet-and-greet flooded the halls of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
“It’s great to share this day with people we love, people of the faith and new friends,” said one attendee, UNM alumni Trista Campbell, “Seeing great turnouts like this and feeling the positive energy just shows me why I love the community I’m in.”
“The meaningfulness for the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh is a sign of peace and togetherness,” said another participant, Jasmin Omidvar.
Former Governor of Isleta Pueblo Verna Olguin Teller gave a blessing as the event began. “Proclamations” by Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall followed. Throughout the remainder of the event, more of the city’s leaders gave their words of joy for this community.
The ceremony itself included readings and prayers, accompanied by performances by the New Mexico Peace Pipes Choir and musician Eric Harper. During this ceremony, leaders and members of the religious community provided information of the background of the importance of this celebration. A video titled, “Light To The World” showcased more spirituality and meaningfulness for the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. A 10-foot-tall collaborative art project named the “Tree of Unity” was completed and placed beside the stage during the event. This ceremony also included the recognition of the recipient of the “Light of Unity” Award.
One of the most sacred parts of the event included the prayer titled the “Tablet of Visitation” which was a key aspect of this celebration and seemed to have played a very symbolic and spiritual role for people within this religious community.
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This religion has no rituals, so the these celebrations are created out of creativity and commemoration.
Rebecca Brusseau is a news reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @r_brusseau.
