Mumbai Bahais spend time in prayers, fast for spiritual nourishment

The month of March is often marked as the time of elevation of character or spirit for the Bahai community. It is the time to fast, repent and pray. From March 2 to March 20, the tiny community in the city abstains from food and water between sunrise and sundown for 19 straight days as it observes the month of Ala — which means loftiness in Persian.

An equivalent to Shravan for Hindus and Ramzan for Muslims, Bahai's spend time fasting and praying till Bahai new year on March 21. "This is the last month of the Bahai calendar known as Badi. We have 19 months in our calendar and Ala is the last one. The purpose of the annual ritual is to elevate oneself through fasting and prayers," said Nargis Gaur, a member of the community.

Bahais are followers of Bahá'u'lláh, was a Persian religious leader and the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. It was on April 21, 1863, when Bahá'u'lláh declared himself as a manifestation of God. In Mumbai, there are around 300 members of the community. "Most of the Bahai population can be found in UP and Bihar," said Gaur.

Community members do not have water or food during sunrise to sunset during this period. "There are different kinds of prayers — long, medium and short — that we perform throughout the year. There is no restriction on how and when it has to be done. Also, our fast can be broken anyway. Also, Bahais believe in all Gods, be it Krishna, Jesus or Mohammed," said Gaur.

"It is time for spiritual nourishment for the Bahai. We abstain from food and drink. I get up early morning and before sunrise, have some food and water. We do not believe in idol worship. We believe that you can connect with God wherever you are," said Mona Makhija, another member of the community.