SPEECH: Ridvan (Baha’i) 20th April-2nd May 2017

HANSARD CHAMBER GREEN

Ridvan (Baha’i)

Mr BURKE (Watson—Manager of Opposition Business) 29-3-2017

On behalf of Labor, I extend warm wishes to those celebrating Ridvan. Ridvan is a 12-day festival which celebrates the beginning of the Baha'i faith in 1863. Ridvan, translated as 'Paradise', is named after the garden of Ridvan outside Baghdad where the founder of the Baha'i faith stayed for 12 days after the Ottoman Empire exiled him. During celebrations, particularly on the first, ninth and last days, people abstain from work and take part in gatherings, parties and picnics. It is a joyous occasion and often includes reflection, prayer and reading from the Baha'i writings. The Baha'i faith teaches that the service of humanity can bring lasting happiness, and it is in this spirit that Ridvan is celebrated.