Baha'is of Coleraine Celebrate Ridvan Picnic

On April 28th they held their nineteen day feast. These feasts are held to foster comradeship and love, to call God to mind, read the prayers and holy verses and to encourage benevolent pursuits.

The feast consists of three parts. The first is purely devotional with prayers and readings, the second is consultative in nature where all may consult on aspects of community life (including children) and make suggestions for improvement. The last part is sharing food and drinks together.

At a previous feast this month a talk was given by a six year old member of the community and enjoyed by all, especially the questions he had prepared to challenge the participants knowledge!

On April 29th a Ridvan celebration was held in the evening at Bruce and Flora's home in Castlerock and on May 2nd a picnic in Coleraine was enjoyed, the first outdoor event this spring and fortunately the weather stayed bright and clear. Ridvan is an important part of the Baha'i calendar as it celebrates the declaration of the Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah.

"Hear no evil, and see no evil, abase not thyself, neither sigh and weep. Speak no evil, that thou mayest not hear it spoken unto thee, and magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults may not appear great; and wish not the abasement of anyone, that thine own abasement be not exposed. Live then the days of thy life, that are less than a fleeting moment, with thy mind stainless, thy heart unsullied, thy thoughts pure, and thy nature sanctified, so that, free and content, thou mayest put away this mortal frame, and repair unto the mystic paradise and abide in the eternal kingdom for evermore."