PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Anticipation for Saturday morning’s opening of the national House of Worship is building. Over 1,000 guests from across the country are expected for the dedication ceremony, which begins at 8:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, 10:30 p.m. GMT on Friday.

The inauguration of the national Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will mark a historic milestone for the people of that country.

To celebrate this milestone, people have been arriving from across the country—some starting their journey on foot weeks ago to ensure they arrive in time for the dedication ceremony.

Bererin Banabas, one of the attendees from the Milne Bay region in PNG, commented on the significance of this auspicious moment for the community: “This sacred space signifies our collective effort to nurture peace and harmony in our families and society.”

Mr. Banabas added: “The temple will soon have its doors wide open to everyone. We see it as a symbol of the unity that binds us together.”

The images below offer a glimpse of the preparations under way.

Volunteers tend to the gardens along the footpaths that lead to the House of Worship.

Some nearby residents in Port Moresby attend a preparation meeting for the inauguration of the temple.

Residents from surrounding communities help to plant diverse vegetation and native trees on the temple site.

Preparations under way for the dedication ceremony.

Aerial view of volunteers preparing the gardens around the House of Worship.