There is no clergy or ritual in the Bahá'í
Faith, nor any congregational prayer. Bahá'í Holy Days are often observed by
the reading of prayers, sometimes from scriptures of other Faiths, and passages
recounting episodes in Bahá'í history relevant to the occasion. Holy Days often
include artistic contributions of music, dance, mime, and crafts, as well as
refreshments, according to local custom.
Ridván* (pronounced rez-vahn)
21 April, 29 April, and 2 May
It was during the period from 21 April to 2
May 1863 that Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith, declared
His mission as the most recent Messenger of God. This event is especially
commemorated on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of this period (i.e. 21, 29
April, and 2 May). See Bahá'u'lláh for historical background.
Declaration of the Báb*
23 May
The Bahá'í Faith began in Persia (now Iran)
on this day in 1844. It commemorates the announcement by the Prophet known as
the Báb of His mission as founder of a new faith and forerunner of a Prophet
greater than Himself, Bahá'u'lláh. The Bahá'í calendar dates from this year.
The event is usually celebrated about two hours after sunset. See the Báb
for historical background.
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh*
29 May
This date marks the passing of Bahá'u'lláh
in 1892, near Haifa, in the Holy Land. At the time of His death, He had been a
prisoner of the Shah of Persia and the Ottoman Empire for 40 years. The event
is usually observed at the actual time of His passing, 3:00 a.m. See
Bahá'u'lláh for historical background.
Martyrdom of the Báb*
9 July
The Báb was put to death at the age of 31
by a firing squad in the market square of Tabriz, Persia, in 1850. This event
is observed at noon. See the Báb for historical background.
Birth of the Báb*
20 October
The Báb was born Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad, in
Shiraz in south-western Iran in 1819. His title, in Arabic, means "The
Gate."
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh*
12 November
Bahá'u'lláh, né Profiles of Mírzá Husayn 'Alí, was born
into one of the leading noble families of Persia in 1817. His name is an Arabic
title meaning "The Glory of God."
Day of the Covenant
26 November
The eldest son and appointed successor of
Bahá'u'lláh, 'Abdu'l-Báhá, is referred to as the "Centre of the
Covenant." The Covenant was established by Bahá'u'lláh to safeguard the
unity of the Bahá'í community. This day is a celebration of the station of
'Abdu'l-Báhá (a name meaning "Servant of the Glory"), who is revered
by Bahá'ís as the most exemplary Bahá'í but is not regarded as a prophet. It was
'Abdu'l-Báhá's wish that the Covenant be celebrated rather than His own birth
date.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Báhá
28 November
After years of serving both His father and
the growing Bahá'í community, 'Abdu'l-Báhá passed away in Haifa, Israel, in
1921. During His life, He accomplished much, writing extensively, interpreting
many of His father's writings, safeguarding the unity of the Faith, travelling
extensively to visit Bahá'ís around the world, and addressing interested groups
of all kinds.
Intercalary Days
26 February - 1 March
The Intercalary Days are four days (five in
leap year) that do not belong to any Bahá'í month. They are days of
celebration, gift-giving, hospitality, and charitable works.
Naw-Rúz* (Bahá'í New Year)
21 March
The Bahá'í New Year is an occasion for
joyous celebrations. In the northern hemisphere it falls on the first day of
spring, which is the first day of autumn in the southern hemisphere.
To find out about Holy Day
gatherings in your town or city, email the Bahá'í National Centre.
Note
* Work and academic studies should be
suspended on the indicated days.
Source
This article is adapted from the Canadian Bahá'í website.
