Baháʼí Holy Days

The Baha'i Faith has 11 holy days throughout the year that commemorate key events in the life of Baha'u'llah and other central figures in the Faith. These holy days are observed as days of rest and reflection, and community gatherings in large or small settings, with programs befitting the significance of the day.

Naw-Rúz — The Bahá’í New Year

First Day of Ridván  (meaning “Paradise” in Arabic) — The most important of the Bahá’í holy days. It is the day on which Bahá’u’lláh declared His mission as a Messenger of God. 

Ninth Day of Ridván — The day on which Bahá’u’lláh’s family joined Him in the Garden of Ridván.

Twelfth Day of Ridván — The day on which Bahá’u’lláh and His family left the garden to travel to Constantinople.

Declaration of the Báb — The anniversary of the Báb’s announcement of His mission in 1844. This holy day celebrates the declaration of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha'u'llah, on May 23rd. The Bab is considered by Baha'is to be the first of two messengers sent by God in the current era of human history.

Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh — Marking the passing of Bahá’u’lláh in 1892

Martyrdom of the Báb  — Marking the martyrdom of the Forerunner of Baha'u'llah Who was executed in 1850

Birth of the Báb

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh  — This holy day celebrates the birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, on October 22nd. Baha'is around the world celebrate this day with prayers, devotions, and special gatherings.

Day of the Covenant* — Commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the One to whom His followers should turn after His passing.

Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá* — Marking the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921

In addition to these holy days. Baha'i calendar has a 4 or 5 days period called Ayyám-i-Há. This is a period of intercalary days that falls before the Baha'i Fast and is a time of giving and celebration. Baha'is around the world celebrate Ayyám-i-Há with feasts, parties, and acts of charity.

Observing these holy days is an important way for Baha'is to deepen their connection to their faith and to the larger Baha'i community. If you're interested in learning more about the Baha'i holy days, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Bellevue Baha'i Community.

The Bahá’í day begins at sunset and ends at sundown on the following day.


Note: The Bahá’í holy days are set and move according to a solar calendar commencing with the Spring Equinox. However the holy days marking the birth of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh are set and move according to a lunar calculation. 

* Work not suspended; Bahá’ís are enjoined to suspend work on all but these holy days.

To learn more about the Bahai Calendar and the days these holy days fall on Gregorian calendar, please refer to https://www.bahai.us/events-calendar/holy-days/.