The Bahá’í community of the Virgin Islands will join millions of Bahá’ís around the world in celebrating Riḍván, a twelve‑day festival observed from April 20 to May 1, commemorating one of the holiest periods in the Bahá’í calendar. Known as the “King of Festivals,” Riḍván marks the anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s public declaration of His mission as the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
Riḍván is celebrated as a period of spiritual renewal, joy, and community fellowship. The first, ninth, and twelfth days of the festival are observed as Bahá’í Holy Days, during which work is suspended, and the community gathers for celebration, fellowship, devotional programs, music, and reflections on the teachings of peace, unity, and the oneness of humanity.
In addition, the local Bahá’í communities in the Virgin Islands and throughout the world will hold their annual elections for Local Spiritual Assemblies on the first day of the Riḍván period. The Local Spiritual Assembly guides the affairs of the Bahá’í community, coordinates educational and service initiatives, and supports the spiritual life of families and individuals in their community.
These elections are unique in that they are free of nominations, campaigning, or partisanship, and are conducted in a prayerful, reverent atmosphere, where nine individuals recognized for their integrity, humility, and commitment to community service are elected by secret ballot by all adult members of the Bahá’í community.
On April 24-26, 19 delegates from throughout the Virgin Islands will gather at the Bahá’í National Center off Crown Mountain Road to consult and elect the nine-member body of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Virgin Islands, which oversees the affairs of the Bahá’í communities in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
The Bahá’í community extends warm greetings to all residents of the Virgin Islands during this sacred season. Riḍván offers a reminder of the shared human longing for unity, justice, and peace—principles that resonate deeply across our diverse cultural and spiritual landscape.
Community members, neighbors, and media representatives are warmly invited to attend Riḍván gatherings and learn more about the Bahá’í Faith’s teachings on unity, service, and the betterment of society, including Saturday evening, April 25 at 7 pm at the Bahai National Center, 1 mile up from Nisky Center on Crown Mountain Road.
For additional information, please contact:
Email: nsa@bahai.vi
Phone: 340-774-3648
