Festival of Ridvan 2023: The Bahá Festival of Ridvan is a 12-day celebration that begins on either April 20 or April 21, depending on the March equinox, and will be observed from holiday_start_date id=”83947″] to May 3 this year. ‘Ridvàn’ means ‘paradise’ in Arabic, and the 12 days of the festival commemorate the 12 days Bahá’u’lláh spent in the garden of Ridvàn in Baghdad, the current capital of Iraq, in 1863. This is where he introduced himself to his adherents as “The Promised One.” On the first, ninth, and final days of the Ridvan festival, which are holy, no labour is performed.
HISTORY OF FESTIVAL OF RIDVAN
In 1844, Sayyed Al Muammad Shráz proclaimed himself The Bab, which means ‘gate’ in Arabic. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Bahá religion. The disciples of the Bab were known as Bábs. In one of Bab’s writings, he predicted the advent of a messiah, whose arrival had been foretold in various scriptures. The Bab saw himself as the one who would prepare the people’s minds and the path. He referred to this concept as “He whom God will manifest.” His teachings and the Babi movement ultimately resulted in his 1850 execution by the Persian rulers.
Bahá’u’lláh, one of the Bab’s adherents, was imprisoned in Siyah-Chal in Tehran, Iran, in 1853. He is said to have received the guaranteed revelation while incarcerated. After his release, he was exiled from Persia, and he resided in Baghdad as a result. Since the execution of the Bab, Baghdad became the centre of Babi activity, and the Bábs had already begun to regard Baháu’lláh as their leader and frequently sought his counsel.
Bahá’u’lláh was dispatched to Constantinople after the Persian government and Islamic clerics, perceiving the revival of the Babis movement as a growing threat, convinced Bahá’u’lláh to travel there. Before departing for Constantinople, Bahá’u’lláh relocated to the Garden of Ridvan so that he could receive the numerous visitors coming to pay him homage and assist his family in preparing for the journey. On April 22, 1863, he entered the garden and spent twelve days there. In the garden, he declared his mission as the promised one of whom the Bab had spoken. What was intended to be a sorrowful farewell for the Babis became a celebration of a new religion.
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HOW TO ATTEND THE RIDVAN FESTIVALS
Observe the religious days
The festival’s sacred days are observed on the first, ninth, and twelfth days. On these days, all Baha’i adherents should refrain from working.
Spread affection
The Ridvan festival is a time of celebration and happiness. As a result, only acts of kindness should be performed and shared.
Employ the hashtag
Inform everyone what this festival is all about! Include a link to our article and the hashtag #festivalofridvan in your tweets.
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FIVE IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE RIDVAN FESTIVAL
The first day is sacred.
The first day of the festival commemorates the day Baha’u’llah entered the garden of Ridvan and proclaimed himself to be the Messiah.
The ninth day is crucial
His family joined him in the garden of Ridvan on the ninth day.
The twelve day is unique.
Bahá’u’lláh left for Constantinople, where he was exiled, on the final day of his journey.
His messages endure
Baha’u’llah’s communications from the garden are read to Bahá’ believers during the Festival of Ridvan.
A World Baha’i Centre
A convention is convened every five years at the Baha’i world centre in Haifa, Israel, to elect the members of the Universal House of Justice of the Baha’i faith.
WHY RIDVAN FESTIVAL IS IMPORTANT
It is a significant celebration.
Followers of the Baha’i faith perceive Ridvan as the king of festivals. This makes it an internationally significant celebration.
It celebrates a new religion.
Bahá’u’lláh brought a new faith with him, which led to the celebration of Ridvan. This inaugurated a new epoch for the Bahá’ faith.
It honours the progenitor of the religion.
Bahá’ believers observe the Ridvan Festival in honour of Bahá’u’lláh. In addition, it is a celebration of the salvation he brought them.
FESTIVAL OF RIDVAN DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 20 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | April 21 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 21 | Tuesday |
