Bahá'í holy days
Sacred days each year mark the most significant moments in the lives of the founders of the Bahá'í Faith. Communities gather to remember, pray, and celebrate together — all welcome.
Holy days are warmly open to friends of every faith and of no faith. Communities consider hosting their neighbours a joy.
Several times each year, the Bahá'í community marks a holy day commemorating a turning point in the lives of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh — the two founders of the Bahá'í Faith.
Holy day gatherings are warm, accessible, and explicitly open to friends and neighbours. They blend prayer, storytelling, music, and shared food, often with reflection on the meaning of the day for the community's life today.
Who comes
- Bahá'í holy days are open to everyone.
Origins & meaning
The Bahá'í holy days commemorate moments in the lives of the Báb (who announced the coming of Bahá'u'lláh in 1844) and Bahá'u'lláh (the founder of the Bahá'í Faith). They include the Twin Birthdays, Naw-Rúz (the Bahá'í New Year at the spring equinox), the Festival of Ridván, the Declaration of the Báb, the Days of the Báb's and Bahá'u'lláh's martyrdom and passing, the Day of the Covenant, and the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
Bahá'ís are asked to suspend work and school on nine of these days, and communities mark them with gatherings that are intentionally welcoming to friends.
Frequently asked questions
How many Bahá'í holy days are there?+
Nine holy days on which work is suspended, plus two additional observances: the Day of the Covenant and the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
When are they?+
Dates shift slightly each year because the Bahá'í calendar is solar but begins at the spring equinox. See the official Bahá'í calendar at bahai.org/action/devotional-life/calendar, or check the upcoming events on this site for exact dates.
Ask about other gatherings
Not everything is posted here. Send a note and someone from the local community team will get back to you with up-to-date information about holy days near you.
Other community building activities
Devotional
A reverent space where neighbours of every background read sacred writings, share music, and reflect together.
Read the guide →
Fireside
A relaxed gathering, often in someone's home, to explore the Bahá'í teachings with anyone curious — a space for conversation and real questions.
Read the guide →
Reflection meeting
Periodic neighbourhood gatherings where friends look back on what they've learned, celebrate small victories, and plan what to do next.
Read the guide →