Festival of Ridvan
currently viewing
Dive into joyous celebrations, spiritual reflections and blooming gardens on the Festival of Ridván- the pinnacle of the Bahá'í calendar.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and jubilant celebrations of the Festival of Ridvan, landing on April 21. Established in the mid-19th Century by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, this grand festival is fondly known as "The Most Great Festival" and holds immense significance in the Bahá'í calendar. During this 12-day period, Bahá'ís commemorate Bahá'u'lláh's declaration of his prophethood in a garden in Baghdad, which he named Ridván, meaning "Paradise". With its exotic history and spiritual significance, it's truly a festival that invites exploration and reflection. So let's rejoice and dive into the splendor of the Festival of Ridván, the pinnacle of Bahá'í celebrations!
As Ridván means "paradise" and the festival originates from a beautiful garden, why not honor the occasion by creating your own Ridván garden? You could dedicate a portion of your yard or even create a mini garden in pots. Decorate with colorful flowers, plants, and outdoor ornaments to symbolize the beauty and tranquility of paradise.
Gather friends and family for a Ridván storytime where you can share stories about Bahá'u'lláh’s declaration of his prophethood. This will help everyone understand the historical and spiritual significance of Festival of Ridván.
Join your local Bahá'í community for prayers during the Festival of Ridván. It is a great way to enhance your spirituality and deepen connections with fellow community members.
To symbolize the blooming garden which is central to Festival of Ridván, make flower crafts with children. You could make paper flowers, flower garlands, or even decorate vases with paint and glitter for a festive and fun activity.
Ridván is a time for joyous celebration. Hosting a music night with both Bahá’í-inspired songs and other uplifting music can bring people together in a spirit of unity and celebration.
The Festival of Ridván provides an opportunity to delve deeper into spiritual reflections. It's the time for Bahá'ís to commemorate Bahá'u'lláh's declaration of his prophethood, a significant moment in the Bahá'í faith. Through storytime and community prayers, we're reminded of the spiritual essence of our existence.
During this period, Bahá'ís all over the world come together to celebrate. Being part of the prayers, music nights, and other Ridván activities cultivates a profound sense of belonging, unity, and community engagement. Whether it's through communal gatherings or virtual meetings, the festival strengthens our bonds with fellow believers.
The Festival of Ridván is not all solemn reflections. It is equally about celebrating joyfully and creatively. By making flower crafts, creating personal Ridván gardens, or organizing music nights, we can express our happiness and create lasting memories with our families and community members.