Two evenings of illumination at the Shrine of the Báb

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — As night fell on the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel and its terraces, their lights brightened the paths through the gardens and the dome of the Shrine. The illuminated Shrine stood out as a beacon and a point of convergence for the diversity of people who had arrived for the “Terraces by Night” event. Many commented on the significance of light: how it inspires and lifts the heart and stands as a symbol of hope.

Over the two evenings, close to 10,000 residents, international visitors, dignitaries, children and families from different linguistic, ethnic and faith backgrounds gathered and took in the serenity of the moment. They walked through the gardens under towering cypress trees and looked out onto the greenery accented with bougainvillea of different shades. Many entered the Shrine to pray or to spend moments in silent contemplation.

“The Báb, the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith, endured long periods of imprisonment, at times deprived of even the light of a lamp,” said Ariane Sabet, Deputy Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community. “Today, His Shrine shines forth... And that spirit of togetherness and of joy can be seen in the faces of visitors and hosts alike.”

The first “Terraces by Night” was held in 2019 in honor of the bicentenary of the birth of the Báb. Tjireya Tjitendero, Senior Advisor to the Bahá’í International Community, reflecting on the event, said that it offers “a moment of upliftment” and is becoming “a precious experience for those who journey near and far to attend.”

Art stations at the upper and lower entry points to the terraces invited guests of all ages to create pieces on the themes of illumination, hope and peace.

Shai and Dafi, from Haifa, spoke about how touching it was to see diverse people finding common ground. Dafi said: “When you share something beautiful with people, it’s really uplifting.” Shai added: “Seeing the unity and the diversity here gives me so much hope.”

Eman, a resident of ‘Akká, spoke of the smell of roses in the air and the wonderful diversity of trees around. “The whole city of Haifa is lit up today,” she said. “I really loved the lights and the atmosphere because they give me hope.”

Nadi, a young man who had invited his mother to come with him, reflected, “Places that cherish this kind of beauty remind me that we’re here for the same purpose: to love, to unite, to heal and to go even further toward light and toward grace.”

“Tonight, there is a calm in the air,” described Tunes, who came from Tel Aviv to attend. “When a garden as beautiful as this shines in the night, you can see the beauty in darkness... it brings light to the heart,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of illumination, David Freeman, Representative of the Bahá’í International Community, said, “We are attracted by light. Light inspires us. It uplifts us.” He said light may speak to a deeply human part of us that reveals the spiritual aspirations all people share, despite their differences.

As part of the program, guests watched a screening of the film “Vineyard of the Lord” which gives a description of the Bahá’í Faith’s history and teachings, as well as an overview of the Bahá’í Holy Places in the ‘Akká-Haifa area.

Haifa’s Mayor, Yona Yahav, said: “The Bahá’í Gardens are much more than one of Haifa’s beautiful and well-known landmarks. They are an integral part of the city’s identity and its unique story. I met thousands of visitors who had come to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the illuminated gardens and the special atmosphere of this place.”

He said that “Haifa is a city where different religions, cultures and communities live side by side,” and this event was “a true reflection” of that.