Bahá’í communities across the globe will joyfully commemorate the Twelfth Day of Ridván—known as the “King of Festivals” and the “Most Great Festival”—on
5 Jamál, 182 B.E. i.e.1 May 2025 A.D.
This sacred day marks the conclusion of a twelve-day period honoring Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration of His divine mission in 1863, a pivotal moment in Bahá’í history and a turning point for humanity’s spiritual evolution.
Ridván, meaning “Paradise,” celebrates the time Bahá’u’lláh spent in the Garden of Ridván on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad. There, over twelve days, He publicly proclaimed Himself as the Manifestation of God for this Era and unveiled the foundational teachings of the Bahá’í Faith—unity, justice, and peace for all humankind.
The Twelfth Day of Ridván, in particular, commemorates Bahá’u’lláh’s departure from the garden to begin His exile to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Though the journey marked the beginning of great hardship—including imprisonment, exile, and suffering—it also signaled the spiritual dawn of a new world religion. Bahá’ís honor this day with community gatherings, devotional programs, readings from sacred writings, and expressions of joy and gratitude.
Historically, the events of this day are deeply moving. On May 3, 1863, Bahá’u’lláh mounted a red roan stallion at noon, as countless admirers gathered around, imploring Him to stay and blessing His departure. An eyewitness, the historian Nabil, described the emotional scene:
> “Numerous were the heads which, on every side, bowed to the dust at the feet of His horse, and kissed its hoofs, and countless were those who pressed forward to embrace His stirrups.”
– Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By, p. 155
Among those deeply affected was a devoted follower, Mirza Asadu’llah Kashani, who chased after Bahá’u’lláh’s caravan until the Manifestation Himself gently urged him to return:
> “Be not overcome with sorrow… Be steadfast in your service to God, who doeth whatsoever He willeth… Live in such peace as will be permitted to you.”
– From “The Chosen Highway,” pp. 122–123
Despite the painful separation, these exiles became the crucible for the global spread of the Bahá’í Faith. The Ridván period is thus not only a remembrance of Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration but also a celebration of divine renewal and unity.
Bahá’ís around the world mark this final day of Ridván with reverence and celebration. The Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, Shoghi Effendi, referred to this period as the “Day of supreme felicity” and a time when “all created things were immersed in the sea of purification.”
The words of Bahá’u’lláh echo as a call to all humanity:
> “Arise, and proclaim unto the entire creation the tidings that He Who is the All-Merciful hath directed His steps towards the Ridván and entered it. Guide, then, the people unto the garden of delight which God hath made the Throne of His Paradise.”
– Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 30
The Twelfth Day of Ridván invites all people to reflect on the eternal values of faith, courage, and unity—and to rededicate themselves to building a world guided by love, peace, and justice.
According to Baháʼí Faith, work and school should be suspended on all nine of its holy days. These days are observed to celebrate significant events in the lives of the Báb and Baháʼu’lláh. The holy days include Naw-Rúz, the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridván, the Declaration of the Báb, the Ascension of Baháʼu’lláh, the Martyrdom of the Báb, and the Birth of the Báb and Baháʼu’lláh.
Compiled by:
Jaya Raju Thota
Greater Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
