Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) – Apr. 21, 2027

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)
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Cultural HolidaysFestivities
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Begins at sundown on the 13th of Jalál (April 20–21)
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The Ridván Festival (Bahá’i) illuminates the calendar from April 21 to May 2 each year. This twelve-day period, known as the ‘King of Festivals,’ commemorates Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration as a Manifestation of God. Join Bahá’ís worldwide in prayer, reflection, and community gatherings to honor this sacred time.

Want to sponsor Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)? Learn how

Expected Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) Deals

The Ridván Festival, as a period of profound spiritual significance in the Bahá’í faith, does not typically involve commercial deals or sales. Instead, the focus is on community gatherings, prayer, and reflection on the teachings of Baháʼu’lláh. Many Bahá’í communities organize special events, study circles, and outreach programs during these twelve days. Individuals may choose to make donations to local Bahá’í funds or contribute to humanitarian efforts inspired by the faith’s principles. Resources for learning more about the festival and the Bahá’í faith are available through official Bahá’í websites and local centers. We encourage interested individuals to explore these spiritual avenues.

Platform Guide for Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RidvanFestival. Share photos of community gatherings, symbolic roses, or moments of reflection during this sacred time.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RidvanFestival. Share educational posts about the festival’s history and significance within the Bahá’í faith.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RidvanFestival. Share quotes from Baháʼu’lláh and insights into the festival’s spiritual meaning.

Social Media Tips for Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

Individuals

Participate in local Bahá'í community events, deepen your understanding of the faith, and reflect on the spiritual significance of the festival.

Creators

Create educational content explaining the history and traditions of Ridván, or share personal reflections on its meaning and impact.

Brands

Support interfaith dialogue initiatives or share messages of unity and peace, aligning with the core principles of the Bahá'í faith.

Organizations & Brands for Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

  1. Bahá'í International Community

    Established in 1948, the Bahá'í International Community (BIC) represents the worldwide Bahá'í population at the United Nations and other international forums. It works to promote peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

  2. Bahá'í Publishing Trust

    The Bahá'í Publishing Trust publishes books and materials related to the Bahá'í Faith, including sacred texts, historical accounts, and contemporary analyses. It makes Bahá'í teachings accessible to a global audience.

  3. Wilmette Institute

    The Wilmette Institute is an online learning center offering courses on the Bahá'í Faith, its teachings, history, and application to contemporary issues. It provides educational opportunities for Bahá'ís and others interested in the faith.

  4. Bahá'í World News Service

    The Bahá'í World News Service reports on the activities and developments of the Bahá'í community worldwide. It covers stories related to social action, community building, and the advancement of the Bahá'í Faith.

  5. Bahá'í Blog

    An independent platform, Bahá'í Blog offers articles, interviews, and resources exploring the Bahá'í Faith from diverse perspectives. It fosters discussion and understanding of Bahá'í principles.

  6. Bahá'í Gardens (Haifa)

    The Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa, Israel, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant pilgrimage destination for Bahá'ís. These terraced gardens surround the Shrine of the Báb, a central figure of the Bahá'í Faith.

  7. Bahá'í Houses of Worship

    Bahá'í Houses of Worship, also known as Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, are dedicated to prayer and devotion, open to people of all faiths. Each has a unique architectural design and serves as a spiritual center for its community.

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) Hero

Baháʼu'lláh

Baháʼu'lláh (1817-1892) was the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. Born in Persia, He declared His mission as a Manifestation of God in the Garden of Ridván in Baghdad in 1863, marking the beginning of the Ridván Festival. His teachings emphasize the unity of God, the unity of religions, and the unity of humanity. He endured decades of imprisonment and exile for His beliefs, yet His writings form the bedrock of the Bahá'í scriptures.

History of Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

Siyyid ʻAlí-Muhammad of Shiraz declared himself the “Báb” and his followers were known as Bábís. Báb’s writings established the concept of “He whom God shall make manifest,” a Messianic figure whose arrival was predicted in all the world’s great faiths, according to Baháʼís.

While imprisoned at the Syáh-Chál in Tehran, Iran, in 1852, Baháu’lláh claimed that his mission as the Promised One of the Báb was revealed to him. Baháu’lláh was exiled from Persia after his release from the Syáh-Chál, and he settled in Baghdad, which became the center of Báb activity. Even though he did not openly disclose this prophetic mission, he grew to be the Báb community’s leader.

The revival of the Persian Báb community, as well as Baháu’lláh’s rising prominence in the city, drew the attention of his enemies in the Islamic clergy and the Persian government, who were eventually successful in having Baháu’lláh summoned from Baghdad to Constantinople by the Ottoman rulers. Many people came to see Baháu’lláh before he left. He moved to the Najibiyyih garden across the Tigris river from Baghdad to give his family time to prepare for the trip and to be able to greet all of these visitors. Although he was accompanied by his sons, Bahá’lláh’s family could not join him until April 30, the ninth day, because the water had risen and made passage to the garden difficult, although the flooding was only nine days long. Baháu’lláh and his family left the garden on the twelfth day of their stay and embarked on their journey to Constantinople.

For Baháʼís, the time Baháu’lláh spent at the Garden of Ridván in April 1863, as well as the associated festival and celebration, is extremely significant. Baháu’lláh refers to it as one of two “Most Great Festivals.”

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) timeline

1844
The Bab

Siyyid ʻAlí-Muhammad of Shiraz declares himself to be the "Báb."

April 22, 1863
Ridván Begins

Baháʼu'lláh enters the garden.

April 30, 1863
The Ninth Day

His family joins the garden.

May 2, 1863
Ridván Ends

The entire family leaves the garden for Constantinople.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

Local businesses can acknowledge the Ridván Festival by promoting messages of unity, peace, and interfaith understanding, aligning with Bahá’í principles. Consider hosting or sponsoring cultural events that celebrate diversity and community harmony during this twelve-day period. Bookstores could feature literature on world religions or spiritual growth, while community centers might offer spaces for interfaith dialogues. Businesses can also support local Bahá’í communities by providing venues for their gatherings or by simply sharing information about the festival’s significance.

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) FAQs

When is Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)?

In 2027, the Ridván Festival commences at sundown on Wednesday, April 21, and ends on Sunday, May 2. This twelve-day period is a time of great spiritual significance for Bahá’ís worldwide.

What does Ridván mean?

The name Ridván symbolizes a spiritual paradise, reflecting the joyous and transformative nature of Baháʼu’lláh’s announcement. It signifies a new era of divine guidance for humanity.

How long does the Ridván Festival last?

This sacred festival spans twelve days, from April 21 to May 2, during which Bahá’ís observe specific holy days. The first, ninth, and twelfth days are particularly significant.

What is the significance of the Garden of Ridván?

It was in the tranquil setting of the Garden of Ridván that Baháʼu’lláh spent twelve days before His exile, proclaiming His station as a Messenger of God. This declaration is central to the Bahá’í Faith.

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) Activities

  1. Decorate with roses

    Recreate the garden from the original story by decorating your house with beautiful roses. This will even enable you to pay homage to the story.

  2. Reflect and chant

    A good way to celebrate is to get together and exchange stories about Ridván and its significance. Chants and songs can also be shared.

  3. Celebrate spring

    One of the writings about Ridván talks about nature’s awakening. Celebrate the season of spring and nature in whatever way you can.

5 Interesting Facts About Baha'i Faith

  1. It has a unique calendar

    In the Baha’i faith, one year is 19 months and one month is 19 days.

  2. There are Arabic roots

    Symbols are derived from the Arabic word ‘Baha’ meaning ‘splendor’ or ‘glory.’

  3. Significance in numbers

    The number nine is significant, and the nine-pointed star is one of its most common symbols.

  4. Belief in the One

    Their belief is in a single, almighty God who is the creator of the universe.

  5. There are prohibitions

    Indulging in alcohol, drugs, and gambling is prohibited.

Why We Love Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i)

  1. Reason to celebrate

    The festival is a time of celebration that brings with it a wave of light and happiness. Who doesn’t love a few days of celebration with your community?

  2. Trip down memory lane

    In the hustle and bustle of life, a celebration like this reminds people of their faith’s roots and gives them a chance to revisit and relearn its stories. It is a reminder of important moments in history.

  3. Faith reconnection

    The festival enables people to set aside some time to reconnect with their faith and beliefs and practices. It is an opportunity to develop a deeper connection individually and with the community as a whole.

Ridvan Festival (Bahá'i) dates

Year Date Day
2026 April 21 Tuesday
2027 April 21 Wednesday
2028 April 21 Friday
2029 April 20 Friday
2030 April 20 Saturday