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.