The Festival of Ridvan is the most significant festival in the Baha’i Faith and is observed for twelve days beginning on April 20 or 21. In 2026, the festival begins on April 21 and concludes on May 2. This period commemorates the time in 1863 when Baha’u’llah, the founder of the faith, stayed in the Garden of Ridvan in Baghdad and publicly declared his station as a Manifestation of God. 1
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History of Festival of Ridvan
The origin of the festival dates back to April 1863, when Baha’u’llah was facing exile from Baghdad to Constantinople by the Ottoman authorities. Before his departure, he spent twelve days in a garden on the banks of the Tigris River, which he named the Garden of Ridvan, meaning paradise. During this stay, he revealed to a small group of followers that he was the promised divine messenger foretold by the Bab, marking the spiritual birth of the Baha’i community.
Throughout these twelve days, Baha’u’llah made several landmark proclamations, including the prohibition of religious warfare and the assertion that a new divine messenger would not appear for at least another thousand years. These declarations transformed what could have been a somber period of exile into a time of great joy and spiritual significance. The festival has since been observed annually, with the first, ninth, and twelfth days designated as holy days where work and schooling are suspended.
Why is Festival of Ridvan important?
This festival serves as the spiritual anchor of the Baha’i year, representing the transition from a period of persecution to one of fulfillment and hope. It is often referred to as the Most Great Festival because it honors the moment the core teachings of the faith were first shared with the world. The values of unity and the elimination of prejudice, which are central to the movement, find their symbolic roots in the events that took place in the garden.
Beyond its historical meaning, Ridvan is the time when the Baha’i administrative structure is refreshed through annual elections. Every local and national community around the world gathers to elect the nine-member governing bodies that manage their spiritual and social affairs. This democratic process is conducted without nominations or campaigning, emphasizing a service-oriented approach to leadership that aligns with the principles established by Baha’u’llah during his stay in the garden.
- The festival commemorates the formal declaration of Baha’u’llah as a Manifestation of God.
- It highlights the foundational Baha’i principle of the oneness of humanity.
- Local and national spiritual assemblies are elected by members of the community.
- Adherents renew their commitment to global peace and social justice efforts.
- The holy days provide a dedicated time for communal gathering and shared prayers.
How to Observe Festival of Ridvan
Observing the festival typically involves communal gatherings that include the reading of specific tablets and prayers revealed by Baha’u’llah. On the first day, communities meet to conduct their annual elections in a quiet and prayerful environment. Because the first, ninth, and twelfth days are holy days, many families host festive meals and invite neighbors to join in the celebrations, creating an inclusive atmosphere that reflects the “paradise” theme of the garden.
Practical observance also includes decorating meeting spaces with flowers and greenery to replicate the lush environment of the original Baghdad garden. Since the faith emphasizes service to others, many individuals use the twelve-day period to engage in small acts of charity or community improvement. These activities are designed to be joyous rather than somber, focusing on the themes of renewal and the beginning of a new spiritual era for the world.
- Gather with friends and neighbors for social events and shared meals.
- Participate in the election of the Local Spiritual Assembly on the first day.
- Read excerpts from the Kitab-i-Aqdas and other relevant Baha’i scriptures.
- Take time off from regular work or school duties during the three holy days.
- Adorn homes and meeting halls with roses and other seasonal flowers.
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