Bahá'í History Collection* 1863 Bahá'u'lláh's Declaration in the Garden of Ridván

Bahá'u'lláh declared publicly for the first time His Station as God's latest Messenger, "Him Whom God shall make manifest", as foretold by the Báb in 1844 (see our 1844 collection). This Revelation of God's guidance for today would help humanity finally achieve that world peace and unity promised in all major world faiths and that the vast majority of all peoples long for.

This declaration came in a garden full of roses that Bahá'u'lláh named Ridván (Paradise) and where He stayed for twelve days after the Ottoman Empire exiled him to Constantinople after 10 years exile in Baghdad -- it became twelve days that Bahá'ís now celebrate as the "King of Festivals". The garden was located on an island in the middle of the Tigris River of Baghdad and had to be reached by boat.

Three days in this festival are tied to major events during the period of Bahá'u'lláh's stay in the garden:
* 1st day celebrates His arrival in the garden and first public declaration of His Mission
* 9th day, the arrival of His family and significance of the number 9
* 12th day, His departure to a second exile in Constantinople

These three days during the festival are holy days on which work and school should be suspended -- no work or homework, instead hospitality, charity and acts of service toward humanity and the betterment of the world.

Do you have Bahá'i friends? Perhaps you've noticed them absent on these days!

:-)

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