April 21st marks the first day of Ridván, and Bahá’ís all over the world are celebrating what is, to Bahá’ís, the most holy of festivals. This sacred period continues through May 1st, a time of profound joy and reflection. I love this season because it is Spring, April is my birthday month, and my parents named me after this “most great festival.” I often joke when I meet other Bahá’ís a few days before the festival begins that “Ridván has arrived early!”
The meaning of the name Ridván is Paradise. As a young child, I always felt like I had to live up to the name and it kind of irritated me. Also, Bahá’ís always made a big deal of my name when I introduced myself and that, too, irritated me. The name is written Ridván but pronounced Rizwan or Rezwan by Persians, though in Arabic it is pronounced the way it is written. However, because my parents named me based on the Bahá’í transliteration, it meant I had to explain to every teacher and individual I met that it is “Ridván but pronounced Rezwan.” So that irritated me as well.
But here is the thing: I have grown to love the name — its sound, its weight, and even the act of explaining it. Ridván means Paradise, a state of absolute bliss and perfection that I strive for daily. To complete this, I’ve recently reclaimed my middle name, Idara, which means Joy in Efik (Nigerian). Together, Ridván Idara serves as the perfect combination and a constant reminder of the state of being I hope to embody.
Ridván marks the twelve-day period in 1863 when Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided in a garden in Baghdad. It was here that He publicly declared His station as a Manifestation of God, transforming a time of exile into a “Most Great Festival.” Today, Bahá’ís throughout the world celebrate these 12 days to commemorate that declaration of unity and renewal.
The first day is particularly significant because it is when Bahá’ís elect their local representatives. Since there is no priesthood in the Bahá’í Faith, the community is guided by elected bodies known as Spiritual Assemblies. It is a truly unique electoral process: there is no electioneering, no nominations, and no campaigning. Instead, members vote through silent prayer and reflection, electing individuals based on their spiritual qualities and selfless devotion to service.
I spent the first evening with an Italian community in Lucca, Italy. What a delightful evening! The program involved beautiful prayers and the sacred act of voting, followed by some delicious dessert. I did not understand much because the event was mostly in Italian and sadly, my Italian is limited to Ciao and Grazie, but I understood the love and joy that this group of people had for one another and their faith. I loved sitting by and enjoying their conversation which, in pure Italian style, was so full of energy; I loved the cadence of the language itself. I felt welcomed, and every time I introduced myself as Ridván, their faces lit up. They would say something in Italian with a bright smile, kiss me on both cheeks and I somehow felt acceptance.
As the festival continues, I am looking forward to the next chapter of this journey with Bahá’í friends in Ireland.
Happy Ridván to all. May you find joy and paradise in your life. Wishing that we continually strive to bring forth Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the oneness of humanity.
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