The Bahá'í Feast is a significant gathering in the Bahá'í Faith, held on a regular basis to promote unity, fellowship, and spiritual growth among its members. On December 29, Bahá'ís around the world come together to observe the 19-Day Feast, which is a cornerstone of Bahá'í community life. This feast is held every 19 days, and it is an occasion for believers to gather, share food, and engage in spiritual discussions.
The Significance of the 19-Day Feast
The 19-Day Feast has its roots in the Bahá’í calendar, which is a solar calendar consisting of 19 months, each with 19 days. The feast is held on the first day of each month and serves as an opportunity for Bahá’ís to come together, strengthen their bonds, and focus on their spiritual development. The gathering typically consists of three parts: devotion, administration, and socializing. During the devotion portion, participants engage in prayer and worship, followed by a period of administrative discussions, where community matters are addressed. The social aspect of the feast provides an opportunity for fellowship and community building.
The Structure of the Feast
The structure of the Bahá’í Feast is designed to promote unity, love, and cooperation among its participants. The feast is usually hosted by a different family or individual each time, and the hosting responsibilities rotate among the community members. This rotation helps to foster a sense of community ownership and responsibility. The feast typically includes a variety of activities, such as:
- Prayer and meditation: A period of spiritual reflection and connection with the divine.
- Community service discussions: An opportunity to discuss and plan community service projects.
- Socializing and fellowship: A time for building relationships and strengthening community bonds.
The Bahá'í Feast is a unique and uplifting experience that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is a testament to the power of unity and the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of community and spiritual growth.
| Bahá'í Calendar Month | Corresponding Gregorian Dates |
|---|---|
| Bahá | March 20 - April 8 |
| Jalál | April 9 - April 28 |
| Jamál | April 29 - May 18 |
| Azamat | May 19 - June 7 |
| Nur | June 8 - June 27 |
| Rahmat | June 28 - July 17 |
| Kalimat | July 18 - August 6 |
| Kamál | August 7 - August 26 |
| Asmá' | August 27 - September 15 |
| Izzat | September 16 - October 5 |
| Mashiyyat | October 6 - October 25 |
| Ilm | October 26 - November 14 |
| Qudrat | November 15 - December 4 |
| Qawl | December 5 - December 24 |
| Masá'il | December 25 - January 13 |
| Sharaf | January 14 - February 2 |
| Sultan | February 3 - February 22 |
| Mulk | February 23 - March 19 |
| Alá | March 20 - April 8 |
What is the purpose of the 19-Day Feast?
+The 19-Day Feast serves as a gathering for Bahá’ís to come together, strengthen their bonds, and focus on their spiritual development. It provides an opportunity for prayer, administration, and socializing, and is an essential part of Bahá’í community life.
How often is the 19-Day Feast held?
+The 19-Day Feast is held every 19 days, on the first day of each month in the Bahá’í calendar.
What activities typically take place during the feast?
+The feast typically includes a variety of activities, such as prayer and meditation, community service discussions, and socializing and fellowship.
