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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Ridván Festival</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, proclaims His mission to His family and followers in a garden in Baghdad - the Garden of Ridván.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1892</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bahá'u'lláh's Ascension</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the ascension of Bahá'u'lláh in 1892, the Ridván Festival becomes one of the most significant observances of the Bahá'í Faith.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1921</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Passing of Abdu'l-Bahá</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the passing of Abdu'l-Bahá, son of Bahá'u'lláh and His appointed successor, the 'period of protection' provided by his leadership ends.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1953</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Ridván Message</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Universal House of Justice, the supreme body of the Bahá'í Faith, delivers its first Ridván Message, cementing it as an annual missive to Bahá'ís worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Centenary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bahá'ís around the world gather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ascension of Bahá'u'lláh and the Festival of Ridván in a multitude of cultural expressions and joyous festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Virtual Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>In light of COVID-19, Bahá'ís reflect on the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh and participate in virtual Ridván celebrations, demonstrating the unity and resilience of the global Bahá’í community in times of crisis.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a Ridván garden</h3><p class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Ridván storytime</h3><p class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take part in community prayers</h3><p class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make flower crafts</h3><p class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a music celebration</h3><p class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time for spiritual reflection</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters a sense of community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes creativity and joy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
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