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- Begins on the 32nd day of the Bahá'í year (April 20 or 21)
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The Festival of Ridvan lights up the Baháʼí calendar for 12 joyous days, beginning every April 21. This significant period commemorates Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration as ‘The Promised One’ in the Garden of Ridván. Join in prayers, community gatherings, and reflections on unity and renewal.
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History of Festival of Ridvan
In 1844, Sayyed ʻAlí Muḥammad Shírází declared himself as The Bab, which means ‘gate’ in Arabic, and he’s known as one of the key individuals of the Baháʼí faith. The Bab’s followers were known as Bábís. In one of Bab’s writings, he predicted that a messiah was coming and his coming had already been announced in different scriptures. The Bab saw himself as the one that was to prepare the way and the minds of the people. He called this concept “He whom God shall make manifest.” His teachings and the Babi movement led to his eventual execution by the Persian rulers in 1850.
In 1853, Baháʼu’lláh, one of the followers of the Bab, was imprisoned in Siyah-Chal in Tehran, Iran. He is said to have gotten the revelation as the promised one while imprisoned. After his release, he was banished from Persia and that is how he settled in Baghdad. Baghdad became the center of the Babis’ activities and the Bábís had already begun to look up to Baháʼu’lláh as their leader and often went to him for guidance since the Bab had been executed.
The Persian government and Islamic clerics increasingly saw the revival of the Babis movement as a threat to them and succeeded in having Baháʼu’lláh summoned to Constantinople. Before he departed to Constantinople, Baháʼu’lláh moved into the Garden of Ridvan to allow him to receive the many visitors coming to pay him respect and to help his family prepare for the trip. He entered the garden on April 22, 1863, and spent 12 days there. It was in the garden he made the declaration of his mission as the promised one the Bab spoke about. What was supposed to be a sad farewell for the Babis turned out to be a celebration of a new faith.
Festival of Ridvan timeline
Sayyed ʻAlí Muḥammad Shírází announces himself as the Bab.
The Bab is executed by the Persian authorities.
Baháʼu'lláh, one of Bab's followers, is put in prison and receives a revelation.
Baháʼu'lláh declares himself the promised one in the garden of Ridvan.
Festival of Ridvan FAQs
When is Festival of Ridvan?
In 2027, the Festival of Ridvan commences on Wednesday, April 21, and runs through Sunday, May 2. It’s a time for Baháʼís globally to reflect on the spiritual significance of Baháʼu’lláh’s message of unity.
How many Baháʼís celebrate the Festival of Ridvan?
Millions of Baháʼís across more than 200 countries and territories observe the Festival of Ridvan annually. It serves as a central unifying event, reaffirming the faith’s principles of global solidarity.
What is the significance of the Garden of Ridván?
Known as the ‘Garden of Paradise,’ the Ridván Garden was the temporary abode of Baháʼu’lláh before his final exile. It was here that he revealed his true station as ‘The Promised One,’ making it a sacred site for Baháʼís and the namesake of this joyous festival.
What are the holy days during Ridvan?
The Festival of Ridvan includes three designated holy days: April 21 (the first day), April 29 (the ninth day), and May 2 (the twelfth day). These specific dates are observed with special reverence, often involving community gatherings and cessation of work.
How to Observe Festival of Ridvan
Observe the holy days
The first, ninth, and twelfth days are regarded as the holy days of the festival. For Baha’i adherents, on these days, all work should be suspended.
Spread the love
The festival of Ridvan is a period of celebration and joy. As such, no ill deeds should be perpetrated and only love should be shared.
Use the hashtag
Let everyone know what this festival is about! Post a link to our article and don't forget to use the hashtag #festivalofridvan
5 Important Facts About The Festival Of Ridvan
The first day is a holy day
The first day of the festival commemorates the day Baha’u’llah entered the garden of Ridvan and declared that he was the promised one.
The ninth day is important
On the ninth day, Baháʼu'lláh's family joined him in the garden of Ridvan.
The twelfth day is special
On the twelfth and final day, Baháʼu'lláh departed to Constantinople where he was exiled.
His messages live on
During the Festival of Ridvan, Baha’u’llah’s messages from the garden are read to believers of the Baháʼí faith.
A Baha’i World Centre
In the Baha'i world center in Haifa, Israel, a convention is held every five years to elect the members of the Universal House of Justice of the Baha'i faith.
Why Festival of Ridvan is Important
It’s an important festival
The festival of Ridvan is regarded by Baha’i followers as the king of festivals. This makes it a very important festival all over the world.
It commemorates a new faith
The festival of Ridvan happened because Baháʼu'lláh brought with him a new faith. This ushered in a new era of the Baháʼí faith.
It celebrates the founder of the faith
The Ridvan Festival is celebrated by Baháʼí believers to celebrate Baháʼu'lláh. It’s also to celebrate the salvation he brought to them.
