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Holidays and Observances

This guide provides information about diverse cultural celebrations and religious holidays. It includes calendars and brief descriptions of the events. This resource can assist in event planning and classroom activities.

Major Holidays and Observances

Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’ís suspend work and school on this holiday, which marks the passing of Bahá’u’lláh.

Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá marks the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1921.

Ayyám-i-Há and the month of fasting

Ayyám-i-Há (also known as the Intercalary Days) is a period of celebration devoted to charity, gift-giving and festivities prior to the annual period of fasting During the month of fasting, adults abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset

Birth of the Báb

Observation of the Birth of the Báb includes refraining from work and school.

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

Observation of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh includes refraining from work and school.

Day of the Covenant

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

Declaration of the Báb

Bahá’ís suspend work and school on this anniversary of the Báb’s announcement of His mission.

Martyrdom of the Báb

Bahá’ís suspend work and school in observance of the Martyrdom of the Báb.

Naw Rúz

Naw Rúz is the Bahá’í New Year. Bahá’ís suspend work and school on this Holy Day.

Ridván

The first Day of Ridván is the most important of the Bahá’í Holy Days. Bahá’ís suspend work and school on the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridván.

Holiday greeting: Happy Ridván