Holy Days
Bahá’ís observe eleven Holy Days each year. On nine of the eleven, Bahá’ís abstain from work and school.
Holy Days include the following:
- Days associated with the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb, such as the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh and the Martyrdom of the Báb.
- Naw-Ruz, the Bahá’í new year on 21 March.
- The first, ninth and twelfth days of Ridván, a twelve-day period in April/May that commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of His mission.
Holy Days are commemorated with community gatherings for prayer, readings and fellowship. Commemorations vary from community to community but often include artistic contributions of music and drama. The programme is followed by refreshments and the opportunity to socialise with members of the community. The public is welcome to attend these observances.
If you would like to attend a Holy Day celebration in your area, please contact the Bahá'í National Office.
The Shrine of the Báb, Haifa, Israel