Ridván 2026: The King of Festivals
The joyful Festival of Ridván, the “King of Festivals”, will soon be upon us.
Ridván marks the period when Bahá’u’lláh announced His mission to a small group of steadfast followers in the Garden of Ridván in 1863. During this period the Bahá’í community has a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh and reflect on the spiritual significance of this sacred period.
““Rejoice with exceeding gladness, O people of Bahá, as ye call to remembrance the Day of supreme felicity, the Day whereon the Tongue of the Ancient of Days hath spoken…””
Holy days to observe
This year, during this twelve-day festival, three days are observed as Holy Days on which work and schooling is suspended:
First Day of Ridván – Tuesday 21 April 2026 (commencing at sunset on Monday 20 April)
Ninth Day of Ridván – Wednesday 29 April 2026
Twelfth Day of Ridván – Saturday 2 May 2026
““God is Our witness. Were We to reveal the hidden secrets of that Day, all they that dwell on earth and in the heavens would swoon away and die, except such as will be preserved by God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.””
Bahá’í elections
The First Day of Ridván holds special significance for Bahá’í communities worldwide. It is celebrated in the afternoon, often around 3:00 pm, recalling the hour when Bahá’u’lláh entered the Garden of Ridván. This day also marks the beginning of the Ridván period, the only time of the year during which Local Spiritual Assembly elections may take place within a 24-hour period beginning this year at sunset on 20 April.
Across the world, National Conventions are also held during this sacred time, bringing delegates together to consult and elect members of National Spiritual Assemblies.
““The Best-Beloved is come. In His right hand is the sealed Wine of His name. Happy is the man that turneth unto Him, and drinketh his fill, and exclaimeth: “Praise be to Thee, O Revealer of the signs of God!” By the righteousness of the Almighty! Every hidden thing hath been manifested through the power of truth. All the favours of God have been sent down, as a token of His grace. The waters of everlasting life have, in their fullness, been proffered unto men. Every single cup hath been borne round by the hand of the Well-Beloved. Draw near, and tarry not, though it be for one short moment.””
May this Ridván festigal period bring joy to every home and strengthen our shared resolve to contribute to the betterment of our communities. Friends are warmly encouraged to participate in local Ridván gatherings and to support the election of Local Spiritual Assemblies held during this sacred period.
