Bahá'í Community Commemorates Martyrdom of Divya Bab with Blood Donation Drive

On July 9, the Bahá'í community in Jaipur celebrated the martyrdom of Divya Bab with a heartfelt event that included a blood donation drive and cultural performances. Participants expressed their reverence through songs, dances, and prayers, while local leaders shared insights into Divya Bab's life and teachings. This significant day not only honored his legacy but also highlighted the community's commitment to service, as they collected 25 units of blood for those in need. The event underscored the enduring impact of Divya Bab's message of equality and unity, which continues to inspire millions around the world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 9, 2025, 20:12 IST

Commemoration of Divya Bab's Martyrdom

In Jaipur, the local Bahá'í community observed the martyrdom day of Divya Bab on July 9 with a spirit of prayer and devotion. The event featured a blood donation campaign, where numerous Bahá'í men and women, particularly the youth, expressed their respect for Divya Bab by donating blood, fulfilling their duty to those in need during emergencies. A total of 25 units of blood were collected during the camp.

Children and young adults showcased their feelings about this significant day through cultural programs, songs, hymns, and dances. Prayers were offered, and sacred verses and writings revealed by Bab were recited. The president of the local spiritual assembly, Nejat Hegigat and Viyaz Alam Anant, delivered a lecture highlighting the life of Divya Bab, inspiring attendees with messages of sacrifice.

Anuj Anant, the secretary of the local spiritual assembly, shared insights about Divya Bab, who was born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1819. He announced that he came as a 'door' for a new manifestation, Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892). The term 'Bab' translates to 'door'. Both Divya Bab and Bahá'u'lláh are referred to as 'Twin Manifestations' in the Bahá'í faith, sent to usher the world into an era of peace, love, and unity. Due to the growing popularity of Divya Bab and his transformative ideas, conservative religious leaders opposed him, leading to the brutal persecution and execution of over twenty thousand of his followers. Bab was imprisoned and exiled, and when that did not diminish the influence of his faith, he was martyred by firing squad on July 9, 1850, at the young age of 31. Nevertheless, the revolutionary religion he proclaimed has now spread globally as the Bahá'í faith. Notably, India has the largest population of Bahá'ís, with the 'Lotus Temple' in New Delhi serving as a prominent place of worship for the community. Divya Bab was the first manifestation to declare 'equality of men and women', and one of his early followers was the renowned poetess Tahira, who championed this principle.

Divya Bab's shrine is located in Haifa, Israel, where millions of devotees visit annually to draw inspiration from his life and offer prayers.