Ridvan Festival
The Most Great Festival, celebrating Baha'u'llah's declaration of his mission in the Garden of Ridvan.
Ridvan is a twelve-day festival beginning on April 20 or 21 and ending on May 1 or 2, depending on when the March equinox sets Naw-Ruz. Its first, ninth, and twelfth days are holy days on which work is suspended.
When Is Ridvan Festival?
Ridvan is a twelve-day festival beginning on April 20 or 21 and ending on May 1 or 2, depending on when the March equinox sets Naw-Ruz. Its first, ninth, and twelfth days are holy days on which work is suspended.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Ridvan is the holiest of Baha'i festivals, commemorating the 12 days (April 21 – May 2, 1863) when Baha'u'llah declared himself to be the Promised One foretold by the Bab, in the Garden of Ridvan in Baghdad. It is called the "King of Festivals."
How It Is Observed
Community gatherings and prayers on the 1st, 9th, and 12th days (the three "holy days"), Baha'i elections held at this time, festive meals, music, and reflection on Baha'u'llah's writings.
Sacred Text
“O Son of Spirit! My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting.”
, Hidden Words, Baha'u'llah, Arabic #1 ↗