137 saved#1,619 of 6,224

Festival of Ridvan

Dive into joyous celebrations, spiritual reflections and blooming gardens on the Festival of Ridván- the pinnacle of the Bahá'í calendar.

Tuesday

20–1

April–May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATE32nd Day of the Bahá'í Year

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYOther Religion

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Festival of Ridvan Timeline

Inception of Ridván Festival

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.

Bahá'u'lláh's Ascension

Following the ascension of Bahá'u'lláh in 1892, the Ridván Festival becomes one of the most significant observances of the Bahá'í Faith.

Passing of Abdu'l-Bahá

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.

First Ridván Message

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.

Centenary Celebrations

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.

Global Virtual Celebrations

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Festival of Ridvan

Create a Ridván garden

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.

HOST

Host a Ridván storytime

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.

TAKE

Take part in community prayers

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.

MAKE

Make flower crafts

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.

ORGANIZE

Organize a music celebration

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Festival of Ridvan is Important

It promotes creativity and joy

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.

It's a time for spiritual reflection

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.

It fosters a sense of community

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.

Related holidays

SAT

Mar 2026

Religion

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year)

A religious observance marking the Bahá'í New Year on the vernal equinox, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the arrival of spring as the first day of the Badí' calendar.

Ascension of Bahau’llah

On the Ascension of Bahau'llah, we reflect on his teachings of love, unity and peace for all humanity. Let's spread these values together.

World Religion Day

Embrace diversity on World Religion Day! Uncover the paths of faith around the globe and foster understanding among different religious beliefs.

Martyrdom of the Bab

Honor the Martyrdom of the Bab by reflecting on his bravery and sacrifice for his faith. Let's remember and learn from his teachings of unity and love.

23Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API