March
30, 2012
Happy Naw Rúz! Happy New
Year!
On
the evening of Tuesday March 20th, Bahá'ís and their friends in Ottawa
and around the world celebrated the festival of Naw Rúz, the beginning
of the Bahá'í new year. Naw Rúz coincides with the spring equinox in
the northern hemisphere and marks the end of the Bahá’í month of
Fasting. It is a time of great rejoicing and thankfulness, of gathering
together and experiencing unity!
PHOTO: © LOUIS BRUNET, ELBI.SMUGMUG.COM
The
celebration in Ottawa took place at the St. Elias Banquet Hall where
over one thousand Bahá'ís, their families and friends gathered together
to participate in the joyous event. The excitement and enthusiasm in
the room was palpable as the community arrived and settled in, waiting
for the programme to begin.
After a brief introduction
describing the meaning of Naw Rúz and its spiritually significant
message of renewal and hope, a group of young children mounted the
stage and delighted the audience with a song about the names of the
Bahá’í months. The children had learned and practiced the song as part
of their children’s class, one of many held across the city. In these
classes, children gather together regularly to learn about the
teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and
how they promote an upright character and service to others.
Next,
the audience was delighted by a wonderful performance given by the
Goulbourn Jubilee Singers. This choir, formed by music-loving
volunteers from the Stittsville area, delivered a spirited performance
of several songs tied in to the celebration’s themes of gratitude, love
and renewal.
PHOTO: © LOUIS BRUNET, ELBI.SMUGMUG.COM
Goulbourn Jubilee Singers
The
gathering was then offered greetings by MP Pierre Poiličvre who spoke
movingly of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran and of Canada’s role
in promoting human rights, including freedom of religion, around the
globe. Mr. Poiličvre also formally delivered a message of Naw Rúz
greetings from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
PHOTO: © LOUIS BRUNET, ELBI.SMUGMUG.COM
MP Pierre Poiličvre who spoke movingly of the persecution of the Bahá’ís in Iran
and of Canada’s role in promoting human rights.
The
programme wrapped up with a demonstration of some jubilant Persian
dancing which had everyone clapping along, and another round of lively
and inspiring songs by the choir.
PHOTO: © LOUIS BRUNET, ELBI.SMUGMUG.COM
The programme wrapped up with a demonstration of some jubilant Persian dancing.
Following
the programme, the crowd was invited to socialize and enjoy some
delicious refreshments. The sense of joy and happiness in the room was
truly contagious and a wonderful way to start the new year!
Happy Naw Rúz to all!
|
