From April 21 to May 2, the DC Baha'i community celebrates Ridvan, considered the holiest period of the Baha’i calendar, which commemorates the Baha’i Founder's public declaration in 1863 of His mission as God's messenger for today. 

Baha'i communities across the United States will hold gatherings for fellowship and devotions, as well as the annual elections for the faith's leadership at the national and local levels.

 

Tod Ewing will be representing the local electoral unit, along with 170 other delegates from around the country, at the national convention to elect the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, which will take place at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Ill., from April 23 to 26.

In DC, Ridvan [pronounced RIZ-von] celebrations will take place at on April 21, 28, and May 2.  The schedule of events for DC is listed below as well as on the calendar.  The annual election for the Local Spiritual Assembly of Washington DC will take place on April 20.  Similar gatherings to elect Local Spiritual Assemblies will take place in more than 1,000 towns and cities across the United States where at least nine Baha'is reside. 

Ridvan Celebrations in Washington, DC

1st Day of Ridvan
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
3 PM
The DC Bahá’í Center
 
9th Day of Ridvan
view invitation (PDF)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
7:30 PM
The DC Bahá’í Center

12th Day of Ridvan
Saturday, May 2, 2009
7:45 PM
3883 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Event Room, "The Connecticut"
Cleveland Park

Baha'u'llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, announced in 1863 that He was God's Messenger for today and the Promised One of all earlier religions. Baha'u'llah declared His mission to a small group of followers on an island on the Tigris river in Baghdad, where He pitched His tent for 12 days. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and twelfth (May 2) days of Ridvan are considered holy days on which Baha'is suspend work.  After His declaration, Baha'u'llah was sentenced to perpetual confinement in the prison-city of Akka (now in Israel) where He passed away in 1892.

Baha'u'llah taught that in an age of universal education, there’s no longer a need for clergy.  Instead, he provided an administrative framework of elected, nine-member councils at the local, national and international levels.  All Baha'i elections occur by secret ballot and plurality vote, without candidacies, nominations or campaigning. There are more than 180 National Spiritual Assemblies and 11,000 Local Spiritual Assemblies around the world.  Baha’is 21 years of age or older are eligible to vote and be elected to serve on spiritual assembly.

The Baha'i Faith is the youngest of the world’s independent monotheistic religions and one of the fastest-growing with a significant presence throughout the United States.  Baha’is view the world’s major religions as part of a single, progressive process through which God reveals His will to humanity.  Major Baha'i tenets include the oneness of humanity, equality of men and women, eradication of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, universal education and world peace.  To learn more about the Baha'i Faith in America, check www.bahai.us.

Baha'i communities across the United States will hold gatherings for fellowship and devotions, as well as the annual elections for the faith's leadership at the national and local levels.