Kaleidoscope of festivals

In March, Christian Lent and Muslim Ramzan unfolded together: billions observed traditions of charity, prayer, fasting and reflection. Around the same time, the festivals of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are being celebrated on the first day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar in the month of Chaitra, followed by Ramanavami. Yet another festival, Naw-Ruz (Nowrooz), Persian New Year, is celebrated on the spring equinox in countries of Central Asia and parts of West Asia.

Although Naw-Ruz is partly rooted in the religious tradition of the Parsi-Zoroastrians, it has special significance for the followers of the Baha'i Faith as the first day of the Baha'i calendar, which commenced in 1844. It represents 'the Day of God', when a reawakening of the spirit occurs, and the light of a new revelation shines equally on God's creation.

The grave turmoil that has engulfed our planet reminds the following words of Baha'u'llah: 'These are not days of prosperity and triumph. The whole of mankind is in the grip of manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save its life through the wholesome medicine which the almighty hand of the unerring Physician hath prepared.'


Equally important is March 22, the World Water Day. In every religion, a devotee is obligated to protect the sacred gift of water and utilise this scarce resource judiciously. Without water, there would be no life. Let everyone who is awake to the condition of our planet address essential questions about who we are, and why it is so crucial to give up old attitudes that have caused suffering, conflicts and devastation.