The Nineteen Day Feast

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

In fact, since the Baha'i day runs from sunset to sunset, Baha'is would say that the Baha'i Nineteen Day Feast is held on the first day of the Baha'i month, beginning at sunset.

The Baha'i Nineteen Day Feast begins with prayers and readings from Baha'i texts and those of other religions. After this there is a discussion of practical community issues. Finally, the Baha'is enjoy a social occasion.

Baha'is regard it as important (a 'duty and privilege') to attend the Nineteen Day Feast, as coming together as a community helps to build the unity that is fundamental to Baha'i belief.

Although there usually are refreshments at the Feast, the name is given because the spiritual activities and socialising are seen as food for the spirit.