The Festival of Ridván (pronounced Riz-wan) commemorates the anniversary of the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh of His prophetic mission to his followers in 1863, proclaiming His identity as the promised Manifestation of God. Ridván is celebrated over the twelve day period that Bahá’u’lláh spent in the Najibiyyih Garden just outside of Baghdad and across the Tigris River. Bahá’u’lláh later referred to it as “The Garden of Ridván”. Ridván can be translated as “Paradise”.
The dates for the Festival of Ridván are determined from the date of another Bahá’í Holy Day – Naw Rúz (held on the Equinox), and will therefore vary from year to year between April 20 – 22.
The exact nature and details of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration are unknown, however on three of the twelve days, Bahá’ís may suspend work on the First, Ninth, and/or the Twelfth Day of Ridván in order to participate in community celebrations and do good works. These three days represent, in order, the day of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration, when His family joined Him in the Najibiyyih Garden, and when He and His family left the Garden and started the journey for Constantinople, the place of His exile.
This is a sacred and celebratory time, and Bahá’ís and their friends come together to remember the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and find ways to serve their community. Ritual celebrations are discouraged. There are no specific foods, or activities associated with any of the Bahá’í Holy Days; however, artistic cultural expressions are encouraged.
During the twelve-day period, three important administrative functions occur. In the Bahá’í Faith, there are no clergy; therefore, Assemblies are elected to administer the affairs of the community. On the First Day of Ridván, all Local Spiritual Assemblies across the world are elected from among the adult membership. During these twelve Days, National Spiritual Assemblies are also elected annually, and every five years the Universal House of Justice is elected.
We extend good wishes to all students, staff and members of the Baha’i community who will be celebrating Ridvan.