Global Bahá'í Communities Celebrate Twin Holy Birthdays on November 10-11, 2026

Commemoration of the Twin Holy Birthdays

On November 10 and 11, 2026, Bahá'í communities around the globe will celebrate the 207th anniversary of the Birth of the Báb, the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá'í Faith, and the 209th anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá'í Faith.

This joyous occasion marks the birth of the Báb, who heralded a new era for humanity, and Bahá'u'lláh, who introduced a new Revelation.

The Twin Holy Birthdays are celebrated on the first and second days following the eighth new moon after Naw-Rúz, as calculated using astronomical tables with Tehran as the reference point. This results in the observance shifting annually within the Bahá'í months of Mashíyyat, ʻIlm, and Qudrat, corresponding to mid-October to mid-November in the Gregorian calendar.

These festivals honor the births of two pivotal figures in the Bahá'í Faith: the Báb, born on the first day of Muharram (October 20, 1819), and Bahá'u'lláh, born on the second day of Muharram (November 12, 1817).

Before 2015, these holy days were observed on the first and second days of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar in the Middle East, while other regions followed the Gregorian calendar.

For centuries, humanity has awaited the Promised Day of God, a time when peace and harmony would reign on earth. This New Day was marked by the emergence of both the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, whose Revelations unleashed spiritual forces aimed at societal transformation.

The concept of 'twin Manifestations of God' is central to Bahá'í belief, highlighting the relationship between the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh. Each is regarded as a Manifestation of God, having established distinct religions (Bábi Faith and Bahá'í Faith) and revealed their own scriptures.

Bahá'ís view the Missions of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh as interconnected: the Báb prepared the way for Bahá'u'lláh, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Báb's prophecy. Consequently, both figures are venerated within the Bahá'í Faith.

In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá'u'lláh stated that their birthdays 'are accounted as one in the sight of God.'

The Twin Holy Birthdays are among the nine holy days when Bahá'ís refrain from work and gather to honor these two Manifestations of God and the dawn of a New Era.

The Báb's teachings heralded a New Era in human history, while Bahá'u'lláh's message established the Bahá'í Faith, emphasizing the oneness of God, religion, and humanity.

The 'twin holy birthdays' are significant Bahá'í holy days celebrated on consecutive days each year. Although historically marked on October 20 and November 12, they are now observed according to the Bahá'í calendar, which reconciles lunar and solar calendars.

This event underscores the close bond between the two Figures, recognized as 'twin Manifestations of God' for this Era.

Bahá'u'lláh, born on November 12, 1817, in Tehran, Iran, was privileged due to his noble lineage. From a young age, he exhibited remarkable wisdom and knowledge.

Instead of pursuing a government career like his father, Bahá'u'lláh dedicated himself to aiding the poor, showing little interest in wealth or status.

Known as the 'Father of the Poor,' Bahá'u'lláh came from a wealthy family, with his father Mirza being a respected nobleman and governor.

Mirza Buzurg owned extensive lands, employing many peasants. Young Bahá'u'lláh often interacted with them, learning about their struggles and lives, which endeared him to them.

At nearly eighteen, Bahá'u'lláh married Asiyih Khanum, the daughter of another nobleman. Their life began in luxury, with extravagant gifts and celebrations.

However, Bahá'u'lláh remained focused on helping the less fortunate, often inviting them to share meals and never turning anyone away. Asiyih Khanum earned the title 'Mother of Consolation' for her kindness, while Bahá'u'lláh was known as 'Father of the Poor.'

Their children inherited this spirit of generosity, exemplified by their son 'Abdu'l-Bahá, who once gave away thousands of sheep to shepherds after being treated to a feast.

Bahá'u'lláh's laughter at this act reflected his understanding of his son's generous nature.

Reflecting on the profound connection between the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh, both figures illuminate the path toward human unity.

The Báb, a youthful merchant, garnered respect for his intellect and integrity, contributing to charity and demonstrating humility.

Years later, after declaring his mission, many remembered the Báb fondly as a prodigy and virtuous youth.

His childhood tutor praised his remarkable understanding of complex religious texts, noting his extraordinary wisdom.

The Bahá'í Faith aims to unite humanity, advocating for the oneness of God, religions, and people. Bahá'ís believe that all religions are part of a divine plan, with Bahá'u'lláh as the latest Manifestation of God.

The Twin Holy Days encourage Bahá'ís to translate their celebrations into acts of service, inspiring communities to work towards a peaceful and unified world.

This festival is inclusive, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, reflecting the Bahá'í principle of unity.

The timing of the Twin Holy Days, established by the Universal House of Justice in 2014, allows Bahá'í communities worldwide to celebrate together, symbolizing the global oneness central to the Bahá'í Faith.

The Twin Holy Birthdays are significant occasions when Bahá'ís gather to honor these twin Manifestations of God and the dawn of a New Era.

Compiled by:
Jaya Raju Thota,
Greater Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh
India