Across the world and right here in Squamish, the Bahá’í community invites all to attend their Twin Holy Days on Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22.
Most anticipated is Sunday, which is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, the prophet and founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
Saturday will mark the birth of the Bab, a prophet of the faith.
Local resident Iman Ostovar was born into the religion.
“Personally, many of the principles and teachings have helped me in my life,” he says. “Like the concept of equality for men and women, investigation of truth and agreement of science and religion.”
The teachings encourage bringing together of all people, he says, adding he is hoping to see participation from many Squamish residents in the celebrations.
“The whole concept is really unity and diversity,” he says. “At the end of the day we are all people that can unify and move forward to make the world a better place for everyone.”
The Squamish Bahá’ís family-friendly celebrations kick off Oct. 21 at the Centrepoint building on 4th Ave. and feature a luncheon and workshops on how to overcome differences through consultation.
In addition, there will be a movie screening, dubbed in several languages, commissioned by Bahá’ís international governing body.
Free childcare is available.
Squamish’s Geraldine Guilfoyle was raised Catholic but later questioned the concept of its exclusivity when she wanted to understand other world faiths. She joined the Bahá’í community in 1986.
“[The Bahá’í faith] answered a lot of questions for me without having to disavow anything because as Bahá’ís we accept all the world religions.”
Though it originated in Iran, Bahá’í teachings exist all over the world. There is currently a Bahá’í community in every province.
“I think at the moment we see a pretty divided world,” Guilfoyle says. “We really have to recognize we are one human family.”
It’s what you do that counts, she adds, so we are charged with living our lives in a way that reflects that.
Guilfoyle said she looks forward to sharing the auspicious occasion with others. “There’s something for everybody. You just have to be a little bit open and inquisitive.”
On Oct. 22, a Bahá’ís art exhibition opens at the Squamish Arts Council building downtown and runs until November 4. All mediums are welcome. Art is a powerful expression of the soul allowing a connection with deeper themes, Guilfoyle says. Artists are asked to reflect on a series of quotes and offer original work. Complete artist submission guidelines may be found on squamishbahais.com or by emailing [email protected].
