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The 12th Day of Ridvan honors a pivotal moment in the Baha’i Faith every May 2. It marks the final day Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, spent in Baghdad’s Garden of Ridván before his exile in 1863. This day commemorates his prophetic declaration to his followers. Reflect on its spiritual significance, learn more about the Baha’i teachings, or share its message of unity.
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Expected 12th Day of Ridvan Deals
For the 12th Day of Ridvan, the focus shifts from commercial deals to spiritual reflection and community engagement within the Baha’i Faith. Instead of sales, expect local Baha’i communities and National Spiritual Assemblies to host gatherings, educational programs, and interfaith dialogues. Organizations like the Baha’i International Community and Baha’i Publishing Trust will highlight resources for spiritual growth and understanding. Individuals are encouraged to participate in devotional meetings, study circles, and acts of service. We will update this page with confirmed community events and educational initiatives as May 2 approaches.
Platform Guide for 12th Day of Ridvan
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #Ridvan. Share photos of local Baha’i community gatherings or moments of personal reflection.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Ridvan. Post about the significance of the 12th Day of Ridvan and its message of unity.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #Ridvan. Share quotes from Baha’u’llah’s writings or facts about the Baha’i Faith’s history.
12th Day of Ridvan Hero
Baha'u'llah
History of 12th Day of Ridvan
It is during these 12 days known as Ridvan that Baha’u’llah first announced his new revelation to the world. Before the arrival of Baha’u’llah in Najibiyyih Garden, Ridvan’s story begins with a man who referred to himself as “the Bab” (translated, the Gate). He established his claim to be the Bab in 1844 A.D., and he predicted that a Messiah would be born in Shiraz at that time. When Baha’u’llah was in prison in Tehran, Iran, he had an epiphany: he was the Promised One, just as Bab had predicted.
He moved to Baghdad after his release from prison, where the Babi (followers of the Bab) movement had already established itself. While Baha’u’llah never made any explicit claims about his revelation, he began to amass a growing number of Babi devotees. As Baha’u’llah became more prominent and the Babi community grew, the government exiled him from Baghdad to Constantinople. Baha’u’llah stayed at the Najibiyyih Garden to meet visitors and give his family time to pack for the voyage once he had completed his packing.
Just 31 days after Naw-Ruz, Baha’u’llah and a small group of companions withdrew from Baghdad’s old city center to a garden across the Tigris River. His prophetic purpose was revealed in the Najibiyyih Garden, where he spoke to a few close friends and family members. The three other things Baha’u’llah said were that religious war was not permitted, that another manifestation from God would not happen again for 1,000 years and that the names of God were fully evident in all things during his lifetime. The Najibiyyih Garden was Baha’u’llah’s temporary residence for 11 days. When he arrived in Constantinople on the 12th day, he was greeted by his entire family.
12th Day of Ridvan timeline
Following a Shi'a religious concept, Siyyid Al-Muhammad of Shiraz claims to be the "Báb."
When imprisoned in Tehran's Syah-Chál, Bahá'u'lláh is told that he is the Promised One of the Báb.
On April 22, Bahá'u'lláh enters the garden with his sons, secretary, and a few others.
Abdul-Baha leases a small plot of land near Akka for the use of Baha'u'llah.
How Businesses Can Celebrate 12th Day of Ridvan
Local businesses can respectfully acknowledge the 12th Day of Ridvan by promoting messages of unity and peace, aligning with the Baha’i teachings. Bookstores could feature sections on world religions or interfaith dialogue. Community centers might host educational events about the Baha’i Faith or interfaith gatherings. Businesses can also support local Baha’i communities by offering event spaces for their observances or providing resources that foster spiritual understanding.
12th Day of Ridvan FAQs
When is 12th Day of Ridvan?
In 2027, the 12th Day of Ridvan will be observed on a Sunday, May 2. This final day of the Festival of Ridvan is a time for Baha’is to reflect on the profound spiritual declarations made by Baha’u’llah.
What is the significance of the Garden of Ridván?
Known as the ‘King of Festivals,’ the Festival of Ridván celebrates Baha’u’llah’s declaration in the Garden of Ridván. This period is considered the holiest Baha’i festival, symbolizing spiritual spring and the dawn of a new era of divine guidance.
How is the 12th Day of Ridvan observed?
As the final day of the Festival of Ridvan, the 12th Day is a time for Baha’is to deepen their understanding of Baha’u’llah’s teachings. Communities worldwide gather to commemorate his departure from the garden and the profound implications of his message for humanity.
Is the 12th Day of Ridvan a federal holiday?
While not a public holiday, the 12th Day of Ridvan holds immense spiritual importance for Baha’is globally. It is a day of rest and spiritual observance, dedicated to celebrating Baha’u’llah’s declaration and the unity of mankind.
12th Day of Ridvan Activities
Abstain from work
On this day, work is prohibited. You can celebrate by not doing any work and resting as much as you can.
Pray
During Ridván, the Bahá' community gathers to read passages from the Tablets aloud or privately. The members of the community gather together to also pray.
Gather
The members of the community gather and hold celebrations. The celebrations celebrate the beginning of the Baha’i Faith.
5 Interesting Facts About Ridvan
Universal House of Justice
Annually, the Universal House of Justice sends a "Ridván message" to the worldwide Bahá'u'lláh community, which reviews the previous year and offers additional guidance for the upcoming year.
A festival
Ridvan is known as the "King of Festivals" and "Most Great Festival."
Holy day
On the first, ninth, and 12th days of Ridvan, work and school are usually suspended.
Twelfth Day
On the 12th day, Baháʼu'lláh departs from the garden.
The garden of Ridvan
When Bahá'u'lláh was exiled by the Ottoman Empire, he spent 12 days in the city before beginning his journey to Constantinople.
Why We Love 12th Day of Ridvan
Impact on Bahá'is
Bahá'u'lláh spent a significant amount of time at the Garden of Ridván in April 1863, and the accompanying festival and celebration have a significant impact on Bahá'is. Bahá'u'lláh refers to it as one of two "Most Great Festivals," and characterizes the first day as "the Day of Supreme Happiness." He depicts Ridvan as "the Spot from which He showered over the rest of creation, the splendors of his Name, The All-Merciful."
He left his home
To enter the Garden of Ridván, Baha'u'lláh left his home in Baghdad, which he referred to as the "Most Great House." Bahá'u'lláh likens this journey from the Most Great House to Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina.
Beginning of the Bahá' Faith
Bahá'u'lláh made a private announcement to only a few followers that he was "Him Whom God shall make manifest" and a Manifestation of God during the festival. This marked the beginning of the Bahá' Faith, which was separate from the Babi religion at the time.
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