Community Collage

Community collage created for Ridván Festival, 2020

Universal peace—“the supreme goal of all mankind”—is one of the beliefs of the Bahá'í Faith, which is established in more than 100,000 locations around the world has an active community hi in Dumfries & Galloway.

Members have found creative ways for isolated people to feel connected and to celebrate the 12-day Festival of Ridván (pronounced Rezvan).

Known as ‘The King of Festivals’ it is celebrated across the world by people of diverse backgrounds and cultures, from April 20 to May 1. Usually Bahá'ís will open their homes during the 12 days of Ridván and welcome friends and family, neighbours and co-workers for prayers, music, storytelling and festive food. This year the global health crisis and social distancing measures meant the community had to come up with new ways to celebrate together.

With the initiative of local Bahá'í and community artist Kirsty Turple, it made a collective piece of art: a collage created online, incorporating the contributions of more than 35 people from diverse backgrounds and ages, from four to 75. Kirsty sent out a brief to friends and young Peacemaker groups inviting their contributions, to “draw part of the garden where Bahá'u'lláh shared His important message”.

Kirsty said: “With everything that is going on, I did not expect many people to contribute, but the efforts of everyone have been amazing. It was uplifting to receive so many pictures from people and to know that they dedicated their time and imagination to sharing in this celebration. We all want to transport ourselves to this garden of paradise. Imagination combined with spiritual impulses create such beauty!”

Jess Fusco, Moniaive