Baha'is merge with Delhi society while keeping identity intact

At a time when religious identities in the country seem to be hardening, a small community is trying to hold onto its own while showing a syncretic way forward. With only two million followers across the country and barely 2,500 in the Capital, Baha'is are a living tale of how to keep one's religious identity intact while merging seamlessly with another culture.

Baha'is entered India in 1884 but came into prominence only in the 80s, when their House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple, was constructed in the heart of Delhi. Since then, the monument has been a telling symbol of its teachings, the mainstay of Baha'is, who attribute their existence to these tenets.

"The basic principle of our religion is faith in one supreme power. There is only one God for people from any faith. At the same time, we do not believe in symbolism of religion to differentiate ourselves from others. We let our principles do that job," Kazem Samandari, a senior member of the community, says.

Internalising the same motto, Baha'is follow their own rituals and customs but are also welcoming to people from other religions. One of the main activities that the community across the world follows is a one-day feast after every 19 days. The feast keeps the believers united.

Baha'is also conduct weekly classes at their homes, solely dedicated to teaching children the values and the ideology of the religion. Samandari, however, is quick to add that children are given lessons in concepts of spirituality. So, the discourses include talks on the spiritual nature of man, purpose of his being, and the cycle of life.

"At the same time, the course is designed in a way that the kids also learn to incorporate the tenets into social action. Interestingly, we have more kids from other religions attending this circle of study," shares Caramel Tripathi, a Baha'i.

For instance, children in the age group of 6-7 years are taught about concepts of love, justice, friendship, honesty, cleanliness, etc. As the age bar goes up, they are taught about the sense of right and wrong, self-analysis, and so on.

To further make their presence felt in the society, Baha'is also indulge in a lot of community-building activities. From tree plantation to cleaning roads to medical check-up camps, they follow a lifestyle that seems to be a marriage between spiritual and social transformation.

Areas such as Harkesh Nagar, Rohini, and Badarpur have seen regular drives on planting trees.

DOING THEIR BIT

• Baha’is entered India in 1884 but came into prominence only in the 80s
   
• To make their presence felt in the society, Baha’is also indulge in a lot of community-building activities
   
• Areas such as Harkesh Nagar, Rohini, and Badarpur have seen regular drives on planting trees and sweeping streets