'King of festivals' hosted by Baha'is

The so-called "king of festivals" is planned for April 30 in Surrey.

That evening, local followers of the Bah '¡s faith are hosting a celebration of multicultural entertainment during the festival of Ridv n (pronounced rezv n, meaning "paradise").

The public is invited to attend the "king of festivals" April 30 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Club, at 7778 152nd St. Admission is free, seating limited.

Unity and peace is preached by members of the faith, who celebrate the 12-day festival of Ridv n from April 21 to May 2. The holy days mark the 142nd anniversary of the declaration of Bah 'u'll h (meaning the Glory of God), as a messenger of God and the prophet founder of the Bah 'i Faith.

Rod Stolz, chair of the faith's local governing body, says the Bah '¡ community of Surrey was established in the 1960s and is composed of people from various cultural backgrounds.

"It offers a number of activities open to public," he says, such as children's moral education classes, devotional gatherings, and study circles, which are held at the Surrey Bah '¡ Centre at 13643 100th Ave.

On April 21, the first day of Ridv n, Bah '¡ communities elect their administrative bodies in a democratic process - without nominations and without campaigning.

Bah 'is number about 6 million worldwide, including 30,000 in Canada.

According to the website bahai.org, the Bah '¡ faith is the second most widespread of the world's "independent" religions, established in 235 countries and territories.

On a dark note, between 1978 and 1998 the Iranian government is said to have executed more than 200 Baha'is. Hundreds more Baha'is were imprisoned, and tens of thousands were deprived of jobs, pensions, businesses, and educational opportunities.

For details about the coming festival, phone 604-589-7939 or send an e-mail to thekingoffestivals@yahoo.ca.

posted on 04/18/2005