Celebrating the First Day of Riḍván: A Holiest Festival in the Bahá’í Faith

Commemoration of the First Day of Riḍván

On April 21, 2026, Bahá’í communities worldwide celebrated the First Day of Riḍván, which aligns with the 13th of Jalál in the Bahá’í calendar (183 B.E.).

This significant event commenced at sunset on April 20 and continued throughout April 21, marking the beginning of the holiest festival in the Bahá’í Faith, known as the “Most Great Festival.”

This festival commemorates the twelve days Bahá’u’lláh spent in the Garden of Riḍván in Baghdad in 1863, where He proclaimed His divine mission.

The first day is recognized as a holy day, during which work is prohibited.

The Festival of Riḍván celebrates Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration in 1863 that He was a New Messenger of God.

In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, written in 1873, Bahá’u’lláh designated Riḍván as one of the two “Most Great Festivals,” alongside the Declaration of the Báb, specifying the first, ninth, and twelfth days as holy days.

These days commemorate significant events: Bahá’u’lláh’s arrival, the arrival of His family, and their departure from the garden.

Today, Bahá’ís celebrate Riḍván with various activities, including devotional meetings and artistic presentations, depending on local customs.

The time Bahá’u’lláh spent in the Garden of Riḍván holds immense significance for Bahá’ís, as He referred to it as “the Day of supreme felicity” and the place from which He shared His teachings.

During His first day in the garden, Bahá’u’lláh made three pivotal announcements: the abrogation of religious war, the declaration that no further Manifestation of God would come for another 1000 years, and the assertion that all divine names were fully manifest in all things.

The first day of Riḍván marks the moment Bahá’u’lláh entered the garden and declared Himself the Promised One of all religions.

The twelve-day festival, celebrated annually, begins on either April 20 or April 21, depending on the March equinox, and this year it will be observed from April 21 to May 2.

Riḍván, meaning paradise, commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration as a Manifestation of God, starting at sunset on the 13th of Jalál.

Originally known as the Najibiyyih Garden, it was named after Muhammad Najib Pasha, the governor of Baghdad from 1842 to 1847, who developed the area.

Although the garden was significant to the Bahá’í community, it was never owned by them; it was acquired by the government in 1870 and later served as a guest house.

Bahá’u’lláh entered the Najibiyyih Garden on April 21, 1863, to receive visitors and prepare for His journey to Constantinople, announcing His mission to a small group of family and followers.

For the next eleven days, He welcomed visitors, including the governor of Baghdad, while His family could not join Him until April 29 due to rising river levels.

On the twelfth day, Bahá’u’lláh and His family departed the garden for Constantinople.

Bahá’u’lláh named the garden Ridván, which later became synonymous with the twelve-day festival celebrated annually by Bahá’ís.

The first, ninth, and twelfth days of the festival are considered major holy days, during which work is suspended.

The history of the Riḍván festival traces back to April 21, 1863, when Bahá’u’lláh arrived at the garden, marking the beginning of the Bahá’í Faith as a distinct religion.

During the previous decade, Bahá’u’lláh had concealed His mission, a period referred to as the “Days of Concealment.”

On the first day of Riḍván, Bahá’ís globally participate in voting for local governing councils, with national conventions held in some regions.

Years later, Bahá’u’lláh sent open letters to influential leaders, proclaiming Himself as the “Promised One” foretold by past prophets.

This Most Great Festival is historically significant, marking Bahá’u’lláh’s public declaration of His divine mission.

During Riḍván, the Universal House of Justice sends a message to the Bahá’í community, reflecting on the past year and offering guidance for the future.

The Ninth Day of Riḍván falls on 2 Jamál, 183 B.E., i.e., April 29, 2026.

The Twelfth Day of Riḍván falls on 5 Jamál, 183 B.E., i.e., May 2, 2026.

On these holy days, Bahá’ís suspend all work in observance.