Holy Days and special times
with explanation of their
significance to the
Baha'i Faith.
Naw-Ruz
The Baha'i New Year. The Festival
of Naw-Ruz marks the end of the month of fasting and is a joyous time of
celebration.
It is a Baha'i Holy Day on which work is to be
suspended.
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Ridvan
The twelve-day celebration commemorating Baha-u-llahs Declaration of His
mission to His companions and celebrated every year from 21 April through 2
May. Baha-u-llah stated Ridvan was the "King of Festivals and the Festival of God" and
has said it was the Day that "the breezes of forgiveness were
wafted over the entire creations."
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9th Day of Ridvan
This day commemorates the arrival of members of
Baha-u-llah's family in the Najibiyyih Garden.
Work should be suspended on this day.
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12th Day of Ridvan
This day commemorates the departure of
Baha-u-llah for Constantinople and brings
marks the end of the Festival of Ridvan.
Work should be suspended on this day.
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The Declaration of the Báb
A Holy Day commemorating the
Declaration of the Bab to Mulla Husayn that the Bab was the Promised
One. This event occurred at two hours and eleven minutes after sunset on
the evening of 22 May 1844. It
is considered to mark the beginning of the Baha'i Era.
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The Ascension of Baha-u-llah
is a Holy Day commemorating
on the anniversary of the passing of Baha-u-llah, which occurred in the
early hours of the morning of 29 May 1892 in Bahji.This solemn
anniversary is observed at 3:00 am.
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The Martyrdom of the Bab
The Bab was executed by firing squad on this date in 1850.
Work should be suspended on this day.
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The Birth of the Bab
This date commemorates the birth of the Bab in 1819.
Work should be suspended on this day.Back
The Birth of Baha-u-llah
This date commemorates the birth of Baha-u-llah in 1817.
Work should be suspended on this day.
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The Day of the Covenant
November 26
Abdu-l-Baha did not permit the celebration of His birthday,
as it falls on May 23, the same day as the Declaration of the Bab.
However, after receiving numerous requests,
He designated this day for the Baha'is to celebrate His life.
Work is not suspended on this day.Back
The Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá
November 28
This day commemorates the passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahá on this day in 1921.
Commemorations should be held at 1:00 A.M.
Work is not suspended on this day.Back
February 25 through March 1 - Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days)
A time of celebration although not considered a Holy Day(s)
The Baha'i calendar is made up of 19 months of 19 days each.
The period of Ayyam-i-Ha adjusts the Bahá'í year to the solar cycle.
These days are set aside for hospitality, gift giving,
special acts of charity, and preparing for the Baha'i Fast.
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March 2 through March 19 - The Fast
This is not a Holy period per se, but a spiritual period of renewal.
This is a period of fasting where Baha'is do not eat or drink water
from sunrise to sunset for a period of 19 days.
The Fast is a special period during which Baha'is
set aside extra time for prayer and meditation.
Children under the age of 15, individuals who are ill,
travelers, the elderly, pregnant women and nursing mothers
are exempt from the Fast.
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