In 1863, exactly 31 days after the celebration of New Year (Naw-Ruz), Bahá’u’lláh set forth on the first stage of what would be a four-month journey from Baghdad to Constantinople after being exiled by the governing officials of the city. Bahá’u’lláh left His house and was ferried across the Tigris River before reaching the Najibiyyih Garden, where He would spend the next 12 days farewelling friends and followers before His final departure from Baghdad.
Although the occasion of Baha’u’llah’s departure was one of sorrow, He fore-tellingly declared it the inauguration of a festival of supreme felicity and joy.
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Please join our celebration of Ridván on Thursday, April 20th at 3:00pm. After our Holy Day program, we will enjoy light refreshments together.
“Rejoice with exceeding gladness, O people of Baha, as ye call to remembrance the Day of supreme felicity, the Day whereon the Tongue of the Ancient of Days hath spoken, as He departed from His House, proceeding to the Spot from which He shed upon the whole of creation the splendors of His name, the All-Merciful.”
Bahá’u’lláh, “Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”, p.35