Celebrating the Ninth Day of Ridván: A Day of Unity and Joy for Baháʼís

Significance of the Ninth Day of Ridván

On April 29, 2026, Baháʼís around the world will celebrate the Ninth Day of Ridván, a festival symbolizing joy and unity, marking a significant occasion for every follower of the Baháʼí Faith.

Among the twelve days of Ridván, the first, ninth, and twelfth days hold particular importance, occurring this year on April 21, April 29, and May 2, respectively.

The Ninth Day commemorates a pivotal moment in Baháʼí history.

Baháʼu’lláh, after enduring imprisonment in Persia due to His association with the Bábí community, was exiled to Baghdad by Nasruddin-Shah Qajar.

On April 21, 1863, Baháʼu’lláh entered the Najibiyyih Garden to receive visitors and prepare for His journey to Constantinople. He crossed the Tigris River in a small boat with His sons ʻAbdu’l-Bahá, Mírzá Mihdí, and Mírzá Muhammad ʻAlí, along with His secretary Mirza Aqa Jan and others. Upon reaching the garden, Baháʼu’lláh revealed His mission to a select group of family and friends. His family could not join Him until the ninth day due to the river's flooding.

During His stay, Baháʼu’lláh named the garden Ridván, meaning 'paradise,' which later became associated with the twelve-day Festival of Ridván, celebrated annually from April 21 to May 2. In 2026, the festival continues to be observed within this timeframe according to the newly adopted Baháʼí Calendar.

Certain days of this festival are linked to significant events during Baháʼu’lláh’s time in the garden: the first day marks His arrival, the ninth day celebrates the reunion with His family, and the twelfth day signifies the departure of His caravan to Constantinople.

These three days are recognized as major holy days in the Baháʼí Faith, during which work is suspended.

The Ninth Day of Ridván coincided with the Tigris River reaching flood levels in the spring of 1863. In late April, Baháʼu’lláh and a few followers crossed the river to the Najibiyyih garden, a lush area filled with roses and the songs of nightingales. They set up tents and spiritually prepared for their journey to Constantinople, the next destination of Baháʼu’lláh’s exile.

This day honors a significant event in the Baháʼí Faith. In April 1863, Baháʼu’lláh learned of His official banishment from the Ottoman Empire. Both the Persian and Ottoman authorities opposed the rapid spread of His teachings, leading to violence against His followers, resulting in the deaths of at least 20,000 innocent individuals. Despite this, the Ottoman government could not halt the growth of the Baháʼí Faith, leading to Baháʼu’lláh's exile along with His followers to the Garden of Ridván.

On the ninth day, the river's waters receded enough for Baháʼu’lláh’s family to cross and join Him, symbolizing the unity of His family and the joy of His new teachings.

The Ninth Day of Ridván celebrates the unity of the human family and the joy of Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration. On this day, Baháʼís refrain from work or school, engaging in prayer and communal celebrations.

Baháʼu’lláh expressed that this momentous announcement—the arrival of a new Divine Prophet—should be regarded as a 'Day of supreme felicity.' He urged believers to rejoice and remember this significant day.

In a speech delivered in the United States in 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá likened this period to a divine springtime, promising a time of joy and spiritual growth.

Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration in the garden inspired those around Him, filling the gathering with joy. Each year, Baháʼís commemorate these feelings during the Ridván Festival, hosting gatherings that promote unity among all.

Despite the reunion, Baháʼu’lláh’s family was unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. Exiled by the Persian ruler Nasiri’d-Din Shah and his ministers, they faced a perilous journey to an uncertain future in a foreign land.

Nevertheless, Baháʼu’lláh remained joyful.

Historian Nabil recounts a night when he observed Baháʼu’lláh walking in the garden, reflecting on the love of nightingales for roses and drawing parallels to the devotion of His followers.

On the ninth day, as the Tigris River allowed passage, Baháʼu’lláh’s family joined Him in the garden, leading to the annual celebration of the Ninth Day of Ridván, which honors the unity of humanity and the joy of Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration.

Baháʼu’lláh’s powerful declaration in the garden called for a new spiritual revelation for humanity.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá described this revelatory moment as a 'day of joy' and 'the spring season of God.'

Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration during those twelve days inspired all present, infusing the gathering with joy and life.

Each year, Baháʼís celebrate these emotions during the Ridván Festival, welcoming everyone to their gatherings.

During the initial days of Ridván in 1863, Baháʼu’lláh revealed the Suriy-i-Sabr, or 'Tablet of Job,' emphasizing the unity of all religions and their progressive revelation.

In His Most Holy Book, Baháʼu’lláh referred to the first day of Ridván as a time when humanity was 'immersed in the sea of purification.'

The garden was situated in a fertile area just north of Baghdad's city walls, approximately 450 meters from the northern Mu’azzam gate. It was located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, opposite the area where Baháʼu’lláh resided.

Originally known as the Najibiyyih Garden, it was named after Muhammad Najib Pasha, the Governor of Baghdad from 1842 to 1847, who established the garden and a palace in this agricultural region. Although Najib Pasha passed away in May 1851, the garden was likely managed by his heirs when Baháʼu’lláh utilized it in April-May 1863.

Despite its significance to the Baháʼí community, the garden was never owned by them. The government acquired it in 1870, using it as a guest house for Nasiri’d-Din Shah during his visit to Iraq. The garden underwent further development under Midhat Pasha's governorship, which included road improvements leading to the garden. In the early twentieth century, the garden was cleared to make way for the Royal Hospital, and Baghdad Medical City now occupies the site.

A ground plan from the 1850s indicates the garden's layout, featuring four avenues converging at a central circular area. A structure, possibly the garden palace, was located near the riverbank. The garden was described as a wooded area with flower-lined avenues filled with roses, which were gathered by gardeners during Baháʼu’lláh’s stay and offered to visitors. The nightingales' songs and the fragrance of the roses created an enchanting atmosphere. An open space by the river was designated for Baháʼu’lláh’s tent, surrounded by a small village of tents for His family.

For twelve days, Bahá’u’lláh resided in the garden, joyfully walking among the flowers. Friends from Baghdad visited daily, while others served those in the garden. Notable figures, including rulers and clergy, sought Baháʼu’lláh’s wisdom and left satisfied with their questions resolved.

This festival showcases the unveiled beauty of the Unknowable Essence, inspiring reverence among those who have rejected His truth. All are invited to rejoice in this Festival of the Lord, which embodies supreme holiness.

Key highlights of the Ninth Day of Ridván include: reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family, symbolizing the unity of humanity; the declaration of Baháʼu’lláh’s mission; and the observance of this day as one of the three most sacred days of the festival, where Baháʼís suspend work and engage in prayer and celebration.