The Twelfth Day of Ridvan: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about The Twelfth Day of Ridvan (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is celebrated on May 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of The Twelfth Day of Ridvan, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you need know about The Twelfth Day of Ridvan.

📅 What day is The Twelfth Day of Ridvan 2024?

In 2024, The Twelfth Day of Ridvan is on Tuesday, May 2nd. It is the 1st Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about May 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Ridvan’s Twelfth Day, celebrated on May 2, marks the end of Baha’u’llah’s stay in the Garden of Ridvan in Baghdad in 1863. Ridvan means “paradise” in Arabic, and it was during this time that Baha’u’llah first announced his prophetic mission to his followers. The 12th day of the festival, although a joyous occasion, was also bittersweet for those who had to remain in the garden after Baha’u’llah’s departure. On this day, Baha’u’llah rode out of the garden on a horse, bringing an end to his time there.

📜 The Twelfth Day of Ridvan History

Upon being released from jail, he made his way to Baghdad where the Babi movement was already established. Although he did not make any specific claims about his revelation, more and more Babi followers began to gather around him. As his popularity grew and the Babi community expanded, he was deported from Baghdad to Constantinople by the authorities. Before leaving, he spent some time in the Najibiyyih Garden to speak with people and allow his family to prepare for the journey. Baha’u’llah and a small group of followers fled from the center of Baghdad to a garden on the other side of the Tigris River, just 31 days after Naw-Ruz. He revealed his prophetic mission to a select few friends and family members at the Najibiyyih Garden, where he also emphasized that religious conflict was not sanctioned and that another manifestation from God would not occur for another 1,000 years. During his time at the garden, Baha’u’llah also spoke about the names of God being visible in all things. After spending 11 days there, he finally arrived in Constantinople on the 12th day, where he was warmly welcomed by his entire family.

✅ The Twelfth Day of Ridvan Facts

🔖 A festival
Ridvan is commonly known as the “King of Festivals” and also as the “Most Great Festival.”

🔖 Holy day
On the first, ninth, and twelfth days of Ridvan, it is common for work and education to be put on hold.

🔖 Universal House of Justice
Each year, the Universal House of Justice shares a “Ridván message” with the worldwide Bahá’u’lláh community. This message reflects on the events and accomplishments of the previous year and offers guidance and recommendations for the upcoming year.

👍 Why Is The Twelfth Day of Ridvan Important

In April 1863, Bahá’u’lláh spent a substantial amount of time at the Garden of Ridván, and the ensuing festival and celebration had a tremendous impact on Bahá’is. It is one of the two “most great festivals,” according to Bahá’u’lláh, and the first day is known as “the Day of Supreme Happiness.” Ridvan is portrayed by him as “the spot from which He showered the splendors of His name, the All-Merciful, over the rest of creation.”

Baha’u’lláh left his house in Baghdad, which he referred to as the “most great house,” to visit the Garden of Ridván. This trek from the Most Great House is compared to Muhammad’s travel from Mecca to Medina by Bahá’u’lláh.

During the festival, Bahá’u’lláh made a private announcement to a few of his followers that he was “him whom God shall make manifest” and a manifestation of God. This was the start of the Bahá’ Faith, which was distinct from the Babi Faith at the time.

🙂 How To Observe The Twelfth Day of Ridvan

⚡ Gather
The community comes together to rejoice and honor the founding of the Baha’i Faith during the celebratory events.

⚡ Abstain from work
On this specific day, engaging in any form of work is strictly prohibited. Instead, take the opportunity to celebrate by abstaining from work and prioritizing rest and relaxation to the fullest extent possible.

⚡ Pray
During the festival of Ridván, the followers of the Bahá’í Faith come together to either read aloud or personally reflect on passages from the sacred Tablets. They also join in collective prayers during this time.

📅 When is The Twelfth Day of Ridvan?

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