Mandaeans keep their 2000-year-old religion alive in Nepean River

Men and women of all ages, dressed in the purest of white, walk silently into the baptism pool and immerse themselves in the fresh flowing water.

They’re part of the Mandaean community – one of the world’s oldest religious groups – and every Sunday they travel to Wallacia, on the edge of western Sydney, to practise their ancient rituals.

Fresh flowing water plays an important role in the Mandaean faith. It’s through full-immersion baptisms that followers are cleansed of their sins. The white ceremonial robes they wear, called rasta, are considered symbols of purity.

“That’s why it has to be flowing water because it’s alive, and that’s where the connection comes between us and the world of light,” said Yassmen Yahya, executive secretary of the Office of Rishama Salah Chohili (head of the Mandaean community in Australia).

Followers of the 2000-year-old religion, which has its roots in ancient Mesopotamia, claim to be descendants of Adam and worship the prophet John the Baptist. Unlike Christians, Mandaeans will be baptised many times throughout their lives. Yahya says they can choose to do so every Sunday if they wish.

Wednesday marked the beginning of the Mandaean New Year – Dhewa Rabba – the holiest occasion in the Mandaean faith. The sacred celebration then continues with a 36-hour period of spiritual reflection and observance known as Karsa.

Yahya says there are about 12,000 Mandaeans living in Australia, many of them in south-western Sydney. Followers can only be born into the religion and they must marry within it.

Before the Mandaeans built the baptism pool in Wallacia, the community practised their rituals on the banks of the Nepean River in Penrith. The water from the river still flows into the pool, but now followers can be baptised in private.

“When you do it in a private place, that of course makes a huge difference. So people feel like they are in their space, feeling more comfortable,” Yahya said.