Two members of Port Macquarie’s fledgling Baha’i community say the religion’s March 23 New Year celebration is a good time to reflect on unity and community building.
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Globally, the Baha’i faith has a following of between five and seven million people, with Naw-Rúz one of the nine most important days, celebrated with meetings for prayer, music and dancing.
In the faith there in 19 days in a month and 19 months in a year.
Since the new year also ends the Baha’i month of fasting, the local celebrations will include a meal at the Westport Club on March 23.
Robina Kohansal and Mahin Kassian who with their families, fled from Iran more than 30 years ago as refugees, but only more recently made Port Macquarie home, are encouraging more people to learn about their New Year celebrations.
“This week we will be celebrating Naw-Ruz which is our New Year celebration signifying the beginning of spring back home,” Ms Kohansal said.
“We are holding a celebration night with people coming from all over Port Macquarie as well as Baha’i community members from across the Mid North Coast.
“The purpose of this celebration is unity and community building.”
Ms Kohansal said that since moving to Port Macquarie she feels like this has always been our home.
“Our religion tells us that the globe is our home so no matter where we are or our nationality, we are at home,” she said.
“We follow the rules and laws of the country we live in, but more than that we want to help the local community and be a part of the community in any way we can.
“Before our New Year, we have 19 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset but then we celebrate on the first day of spring to recognise all the potential for the year ahead.”