Holidays and Cultural Observances

Individuals may require time away from campus for travel and observance for the following:

• Ascension of Abdu'l-Bahá — celebration of the rising of the spirit of Abdu'l-Baha to the heavenly dwelling. 
• Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh — recollection of the death of Baha'u'llah, the founder. Observed by prayers and readings. Work is suspended.
• Birth of the Báb — honoring of the founder of the Babi religion, forerunner to Baha'u'llah and the Baha'i faith. 
• Birth of Baha'u'llah — Baha'i celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher. Refrain from work.
• Day of the Covenant — celebration of the covenant given in the last will and testament of Baha'u'llah
• Declaration of the Bab — recognition of the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he is the anticipated "Coming One" of all religions. Work is suspended
• Martyrdom of the Bab — Ali Mohammed was executed in 1850 by Persian political and religious powers. Observed by abstaining from commerce and work.
• Ridvan (Feast of Ridvan) — commemoration of the twelve day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that he was God's messenger for this age. Work is to be suspended on days 1, 9, and 12 of the festival.

•  World Religion Day — officially the third Sunday in January.  Interfaith celebration of religion.

Credit: Alphabetical listing of major observances. All descriptions taken from https://www.interfaith-calendar.org/

Video Credit: CBS Mornings, Dec 18, 2019, YouTube.