A recording of the broadcast of the bicentenary celebration from the Lotus Temple in New Delhi
India
Stories of Celebrations
The celebrations held throughout India to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh were as culturally rich and diverse as the people of this remarkable country – home to the largest Bahá’í population in the world. Celebrations ranged from a national event at the Bahá’í House of Worship to a multitude of celebrations in cities and villages across the country, involving hundreds of thousands of people.
Public messages marking the bicentenary were offered by scores of societal leaders at the national, state, and municipal levels. India's current and former Presidents as well as the Prime Minister addressed the Bahá’í community of India with tributes to the Person and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.
"Bahá’í Faith gives the world a vision of universal brotherhood," wrote Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his letter to the Bahá’í community of India. “Its messages of love and respect aim to make the world a beautiful place that celebrates harmony and peace."
"Since the revelation of the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh, Bahá’í Faith has found wholehearted acceptance in India, where one of its most dynamic communities has flourished since then.”
Recording of live broadcast from the House of Worship in India
A street in the village of Kothiya in the Bihar region was decorated as part of their bicentenary celebrations.
Artistic performances at the House of Worship in Delhi
At a commemoration at the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, attendees listened to a performance from a choir singing sacred Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. There was also an artistic presentation in the Temple Information Centre. Afterwards, all gathered under light-draped trees to enjoy refreshments and conversations inspired by the evening.
Two representatives of the Bahá’í community meet together with the Prime Minister of India to convey greetings and thanks — on behalf of the Bahá’ís of the country — for his warm message on the occasion of the bicentenary. (See story on the Bahá’í World News Service)
Chhattisgarh
Eighteen celebrations were held in the State of Chhattisgarh
Springing from a heartfelt desire to share with friends and family the message and life of Bahá’u’lláh, a group of young people from the city of Pune decided to create a play. Over a few months, they prepared a script and worked with a choreographer to develop dances. They invited participation from students and young adults, who were eager to participate.
The troupe developed such a strong spirit of unity that, on occasion, when someone could not make it to a performance, others stepped in in seamless fashion. “This feeling of being part of a team, where each one is making sacrifices to be able to work together and make this drama possible, is incredible.”
In India, bicentenary inspires acts of service and charity
Acts of service were offered across India, inspired by the bicentenary year. In Sambalpur, a junior youth group organized a sickle cell, blood group, and blood pressure check for local residents, especially mothers. In Argartala, the Local Spiritual Assembly set up a blood donation camp and individuals planted trees and cleaned the streets of the city.
Families contribute rice for dinner of 1,500 guests
Every day for the weeks leading up to the bicentenary, families in Mandya saved rice to contribute to a dinner for 1,500 people for the celebration of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
Peace rallies held in India
In a few localities across India, peace rallies were held in which participants sang songs about the life of the Báb and shared the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.