World Religion Day (Third Sunday in January): The day is devoted to proclaiming the oneness of religion and the belief that world religion will unify the peoples of the earth. The Baha’i-sponsored observance was established in 1950 by the Baha’is of the United States.

Ayyam-i-ha or Intercalary Days (Feb. 26-March 1): Ayyam-i-ha, or “Days of Ha,” are devoted to spiritual preparation for the Fast, celebrating, hospitality, charity and gift giving. They are celebrated the four days (five in leap year) before the last month of the Baha’i year.

Naw-Rúz (March 21): The Baha’i New Year’s Day is astronomically fixed to begin the year on the spring equinox. Naw-Rúz is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

Festival of Ridvan (April 21-May 2): The annual Baha’i festival commemorates the 12 days (April 21-May 2, 1863) when Baha’u’llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith, resided in a garden called Ridvan (Paradise) in Baghdad, Iraq. At this time He publicly proclaimed His mission as God’s messenger for this age. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and twelfth (May 2) days are celebrated as holy days when work is suspended.

Declaration of the Bab (May 23): The Baha’i commemorates May 23, 1844, when the Bab, the prophet-herald of the Baha’i Faith, announced in Shiraz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

Ascension of Baha’u’llah (May 29): Baha’is observe the anniversary of the death in exile of Baha’u’llah, the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith, on May 29, 1892. It is one of the nine holy days of the year where work is suspended.

Race Unity Day (Second Sunday in June): The Baha’i-sponsored observance promotes racial harmony and understanding and the essential unity of humanity. It was established in 1957 by the Baha’is of the U.S.

Martyrdom of the Bab (July 9): The holy day commemorates the anniversary of the execution of the Bab (Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad), the prophet-herald of the Baha’i Faith, by a firing squad on July 9, 1850, in Tabriz, Persia. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

Birth of the Bab (Oct. 20): The day is an observance of the anniversary of the birth on Oct. 20, 1819, in Shiraz, Persia, of Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, who later took the title of “the Bab,” meaning “the Gate.” The Bab was the prophet-herald of the Baha’i Faith. The day is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

Birth of Baha’u’llah (Nov. 12): Baha’is observe the anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah (born Mirza Husayn-‘Ali) on Nov. 12, 1817, in Núr, Persia. Baha’u’llah, which means the “Glory of God,” is the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

Day of the Covenant (Nov. 26): The festival commemorates Baha’u’llah’s appointment of his eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, as the Center of His Covenant.

Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Nov 28): Baha’is observe the anniversary of the death of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, son of Baha’u'llah and His appointed succesor, on Nov 28, 1921.

Baha’i Month of Fasting

The last month in the Baha’i calendar, March 2-20, is dedicated to the Fast. During this time, Baha’is between 15 and 70 years of age do not eat or drink for 19 days from sunrise to sunset and set aside time for prayer and meditation. Exemptions from the Fast occur for illness, pregnancy, nursing mothers, extended travel and arduous physical labor.

What are: Study Circles, Children’s Classes, Junior Youth Groups, Devotional Meetings, Firesides, Deepenings, Holy Day Celebrations, 19 Day Feasts