The Festival of Ridván: A Time of Joy and Renewal

The colourful flowers shown in the images above reflect the beauty and joy of the Ridván season, reminiscent of the garden where Bahá'u'lláh declared His mission in 1863.

Dear friends and neighbours in Dundee,

As spring unfolds across our beautiful city, the Bahá'í community of Dundee invites you to learn about one of our most cherished Holy Days—the Festival of Ridván, which begins on 21 April and continues for twelve joyous days until 2 May.

The Significance of Ridván

Ridván means "paradise" in Arabic. This festival commemorates the historic declaration made by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, in 1863 when He announced His mission in a garden known as Ridván on the banks of the River Tigris near Baghdad. During this momentous time, Bahá'u'lláh revealed that He was the divine messenger whose coming had been foretold by the Báb and anticipated by the followers of the world's religions—the one who would usher in an age of universal peace and unity.

Celebrating in Dundee

The Dundee Bahá'í community marked the First Day of Ridván on Sunday, 20 April 2025, with a gathering that included the annual election of our Local Spiritual Assembly—the nine-member governing council that guides and coordinates the activities of our community throughout the year.

Following prayers and reflections on the spiritual nature of Bahá'í elections, our community elected the nine members who will serve for the coming year: Malath Abbas, Mhairi Abbas, Farida Hay, Ayanna Maycock (Chairperson), Doa Sia, Jamal Sia (Vice Chair), Graeme Taylor, Carrie Varjavandi (Secretary), and Farhad Varjavandi (Treasurer).

The election was followed by a joyful celebration and pot-luck dinner at the home of Dheayea and Mouayad, where friends shared delicious food, music, and conversation—a fitting way to begin this festival that symbolises unity and spiritual renewal.

The Spirit of Ridván in Our Daily Lives

During this special time, Bahá'ís around the world reflect on the transformative message of Bahá'u'lláh, which centres on the oneness of humanity, the harmony of science and religion, the equality of women and men, and the elimination of all forms of prejudice.

In Dundee, our community strives to embody these principles through various activities throughout the year, including devotional gatherings, children's classes, and community service projects. The Festival of Ridván renews our commitment to working alongside all people of goodwill to contribute to the betterment of our city and the wider world.

Join Us

We warmly invite our neighbours and friends in Dundee to learn more about the Bahá'í Faith and to join us for future gatherings. Our community meets regularly for devotional gatherings, study circles, and children's classes, and all are welcome regardless of background or belief.

For more information about upcoming activities or to learn more about the Bahá'í Faith, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Wishing you all a joyful spring season filled with spiritual growth and renewal.

With warm regards, The Bahá'í Community of Dundee

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Dundee can be contacted at: Tel: 07910 218871