Ridván means paradise. In 1863, when the Baha’i religion began, Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i religion, and his followers were exiled from Baghdad. They stayed in a garden outside Baghdad for twelve days, where Baha’u’llah relayed his plans for Baha’i to his followers. The first day of Ridván commemorates Baha’u’llah’s arrival in the garden.
Believers do not work on this day and instead spend the day engaged in communal prayers and celebrations. Local spiritual elections are also held on this day. While no two celebrations are the same, some include the draping of white cloth and the removal of chairs. Instead, celebrants sit on cushions and pillows. Children also read from first-hand accounts of the early sojourn in the garden.
Avoid scheduling important events or activities. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or communicate on that day.
