Pune's Baha’i commmunity observe 161st martyrdom of the Bab

The Baha’i community of Pune commemorated the 161st martyrdom of the Bab, one of the two central figures in the founding of the Baha’i faith, on July 9.

A press statement stated that a devotional programme was held that included audio-visual presentations on the life of the Bab. The programme’s highlight was a special prayer recited at noon, to coincide with the time of his execution.

Eliza Rasiwala’s brief talk brought alive the relevance of the Bab’s teachings. The Bab’s declaration that spiritual renewal and social advancement rested on “love and compassion” rather than “force and coercion” came at a time when moral breakdown was widespread in 19th-century Persian society.

The press statement said that the name “Bab” is a title that means “gate” or “door”. The central theme of his major work was the imminent appearance of a second messenger of god, one who would be far greater than the Bab himself, and whose mission would be to usher in the age of peace and justice long promised in all world religions.

Half-a-century after his execution on July 9, 1850, at noon by a firing squad in the public square of Tabriz, Iran, the Bab’s remains were brought to Haifa for entombment on Mount Carmel.

The anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bab is one of the nine holy days when Baha’is suspend work and the community gathers for special meetings.