Learn about the history and significance of the Twelfth Day of Ridvan, a holy day celebrated by members of the Baha’i faith, and discover the various activities and traditions associated with this special occasion. Find out more about the Declaration of Ridvan, the Ridvan Garden, and how Baha’is around the world celebrate this important day.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is an important celebration for members of the Baha’i faith. It commemorates the final day of a twelve-day period in 1863 during which Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, camped in a garden called Ridvan in Baghdad, Iraq.
On this final day, Baha’u’llah’s family and followers were able to join him in the garden, and it is said that he publicly proclaimed his mission as a messenger of God. The Twelfth Day of Ridvan thus marks the conclusion of this momentous event, which is considered to be the most significant in the history of the Baha’i faith.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is celebrated by Baha’is around the world as a joyous occasion. It is customary to hold special gatherings, prayers, and other festivities to commemorate this important day.
History of The Twelfth Day of Ridvan
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is an important event in the history of the Baha’i faith. It commemorates an event that took place in 1863 when Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, was exiled from his native Persia to Baghdad, Iraq.
While in Baghdad, Baha’u’llah and his family were living in a garden called Ridvan. On April 21, 1863, Baha’u’llah received a visit from the Ottoman governor, who demanded that he leave the garden and continue his journey to Istanbul. However, Baha’u’llah refused to leave and instead chose to stay in the garden for twelve days, until May 2, 1863.
During these twelve days, Baha’u’llah received many visitors, including his family and followers. It is said that on the ninth day of his stay in the garden, he revealed his mission as a messenger of God to his followers. On the twelfth day, Baha’u’llah’s family and followers were able to join him in the garden, and it is said that he publicly proclaimed his mission as a messenger of God. This event is known as the Declaration of Ridvan and is considered to be the most significant event in the history of the Baha’i faith.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is celebrated by Baha’is around the world as a joyous occasion. It is a time to reflect on the message of Baha’u’llah and to renew one’s commitment to his teachings. The day is marked by prayers, gatherings, and other festivities, and is considered to be one of the most important holy days in the Baha’i calendar.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan Timeline
Here is a timeline of the events leading up to and including the Twelfth Day of Ridvan:
- April 10, 1863: Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, arrives in Baghdad, Iraq, after being exiled from his native Persia.
- April 21, 1863: The Ottoman governor of Baghdad orders Baha’u’llah to leave the garden of Ridvan and continue his journey to Istanbul.
- April 22 to May 2, 1863: Baha’u’llah chooses to stay in the garden of Ridvan for twelve days, during which time he receives many visitors, including his family and followers.
- April 29, 1863: On the ninth day of his stay in the garden, Baha’u’llah reveals his mission as a messenger of God to his followers.
- May 2, 1863: On the twelfth day of his stay in the garden, Baha’u’llah’s family and followers are able to join him in the garden, and he publicly proclaims his mission as a messenger of God. This event is known as the Declaration of Ridvan.
- May 3, 1863: Baha’u’llah leaves the garden of Ridvan to continue his journey to Istanbul.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is celebrated annually on May 2 by Baha’is around the world, to commemorate the Declaration of Ridvan and the significant role that the garden of Ridvan played in the history of the Baha’i faith.
What’s the location of the Ridván Garden?
The Ridvan Garden, also known as the Garden of Najibiyyih, is located in Baghdad, Iraq. It is situated on the banks of the Tigris River, in a district called Rusafa. The garden was originally owned by a wealthy merchant named Najib Pasha, who later sold it to a government official named Mirza Ali Asghar Khan. Baha’u’llah and his family rented the garden from Mirza Ali Asghar Khan in 1863, and it was there that the Declaration of Ridvan took place. The garden is considered to be a sacred site for members of the Baha’i faith, and it is visited by many pilgrims each year.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan Activities
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is an important holy day for members of the Baha’i faith, and it is celebrated by engaging in various activities that reflect the joy and significance of the occasion. Here are some common activities associated with the Twelfth Day of Ridvan:
- Gathering with friends and family: Baha’is often gather with friends and family to celebrate the occasion, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
- Attending devotional programs: Baha’is often attend devotional programs, which may include prayers, readings from the Baha’i writings, and music.
- Holding community events: Baha’i communities may organize events such as picnics, barbecues, and other social activities to celebrate the occasion.
- Sharing food: It is customary to share food and sweets with friends and family as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
- Giving to charity: Baha’is may choose to give to charity as an act of service and to honor the spirit of generosity and compassion that is central to the Baha’i faith.
- Reflecting on the teachings of Baha’u’llah: Baha’is often take time on the Twelfth Day of Ridvan to reflect on the teachings of Baha’u’llah and to renew their commitment to living a life that is guided by those teachings.
These activities, and others like them, are intended to help Baha’is deepen their connection to the Baha’i faith and to each other, and to honor the significance of the Declaration of Ridvan.
