LIHUE — As part of a continuing worldwide observance of the bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, Prophet founder of the Baha’i faith, Kapaa friends celebrated on Oct. 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
LIHUE — As part of a continuing worldwide observance of the bicentenary of the birth of Baha’u’llah, Prophet founder of the Baha’i faith, Kapaa friends celebrated on Oct. 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Linked with those encircling the globe, the program was a joyous demonstration of a fundamental teaching of Baha’u’llah, that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
In keeping with the theme of unity in diversity, included were Tahitian drumming, hula, a skit presented by the Junior Youth Group, a poem, Marshallese singing, classical flute and prayers in Hawaiian, English and more were offered.
Displays featured Baha’u’llah’s life and teachings as well as local service projects and activities of the Baha’is of Kaua’i.
Special guests included Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who read a proclamation for the 200th anniversary, Rep. Nadine Nakamura, and Councilmembers JoAnn Yukimura and Derek Kawakami who shared inspirational thoughts from their own encounters with the Baha’i faith. Caught up in the moment, they even offered an impromptu rendering of a traditional Hawaiian song.
“This is a celebration of joy,” said Mollie Sperry, secretary-general of the Baha’is of the Hawaiian Islands explains. “It commemorates what Baha’u’llah taught and what Baha’is believe: the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of world religions.”
