Ha'mara

From Memory Alpha: "Ha'mara was a Bajoran holiday celebrating the anniversary of the arrival of the Emissary of the Prophets, Benjamin Sisko. Bajorans fasted to show gratitude to the Prophets for sending him to them."

Bajorans fast from sundown to sundown and as soon as night falls, enjoy a big feast. There are several ceremonies throughout the day to tell the story of the Emmissary and Bajor's liberation. Non-Bajorans are welcome to participate in many of the events, although some are meant only for Bajorans.

Activities include:
 * Rising at dawn to bath in a stream
 * Lighting candles
 * Unburdening: All are asked to relieve themselves of resentment, fear, jealosy, regret, and agner. In full view of the Prophets, symbolized by the local solar noon, faithful may place one small stone or many into a basin of water as a symbol they are letting go. It's origins are a symbol of clearing rubble from broken cities after the Occupation.

A Ha'mara was held on Kerelia in 2381.05, overseen by Vedek Dima Emmari.

"The town square was a rustic and earnest interpretation of the main Ha'mara setting back on Bajor. The spartan settlement space, itself a work in progress, was a scaffold for Bajoran banners bearing messages from scripture, memorials for the beloved dead, and a variety of altars and spaces for reflection. Bajoran vendors were taking advantage of the event and were selling home-wares to their farflung kind - food, clothing, art, plants, trinkets, and the like. At the center was a large brazier - it would be cold until sundown when it would be lit as the focal point for a feast."