Holy Days

There are no set practices or services to commemorate the various holy days of the Baha'is. Different communities may organise devotional days of prayers and readings appropriate to the day in question.

There are 11 holy days, of which 9 are major holy days.

The holy days require that Baha'is refrain from work on the 3 special days of Ridvan and all major holy days unless specifically disallowed in their terms of employment. Children are required not to attend school if possible.

The Ridvan Festival

Baha‘u‘llah‘s ordained this festival - Most Great Festival and it marks the declaration in the Garden of Ridvan in 1863.

Naw-Ruz (New Year)

Naw-Rúz is celebrated on the 21st March, the first day of spring equinox.

Nineteen Day Feast

Every nineteen days, the evening before the first day of each Baha'i; month, all the Baha'is of a particular community meet at one of their houses, or the local Baha'i; centre for a feast.

The Declaration of the Bab

This is celebrated 22-23 May from 2 hours after sunset on the 22nd.

Ascension of Baha‘u‘llah

This major holy day is celebrated on the 29th May, at 3am.

Martyrdom of the Bab

This major holy day is celebrated on the 9th July at noon.

Birth of the Bab

This major holy day is celebrated on the 20th October.

Birth of Baha‘u‘llah

This major holy day is celebrated on the 12th November.

The day of the Covenant

This minor holy day is celebrated on the 26th November and work is not suspended on this day.

The passing of Abdu'l-Baha

This minor holy day is celebrated on the 28th November and work is not suspended on this day.