BHUBANESWAR, India — Youth from Baha'i communities in the rural and tribal areas of the Indian state of Orissa gathered for a festival recently to share ideas and experiences and to enjoy dance, theatre, talent shows and cultural performances.

The occasion was the annual youth festival of Orissa in Bhubaneswar. Held from 26 to 29 June 2003, the festival was organized by the State Baha'i Youth Committee of Orissa.

Among the key speakers were Auxiliary Board Member Padrat Mohanty who gave a presentation on the history of the Baha'i Faith in Orissa and Ehsan Azadi, a guest from New Zealand, who talked about the laws and ordinances contained in the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the holiest book of the Baha'i Faith.

In a message to the 80 participants, the Universal House of Justice expressed hope that the youth of the region would "take up with unrelaxing vigor the challenge of rapidly multiplying the number of study circles, devotional meetings and children's classes" -- activities that have been highlighted as areas of major importance for Baha'i communities worldwide.