Bab's birthday
October 20, Monday
The name “Báb” in Arabic means “Gate” or “Door.”
He is considered the founder of the religion called “Bábism,” and within the Bahá’í Faith, he is regarded as a Manifestation of God who prepared the way for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh.
When it is celebrated
The Birthday of the Báb is celebrated annually as part of the so-called “Twin Holy Birthdays,” together with the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh.
The date of the celebration is not fixed in the Gregorian calendar: it is determined by the new moon (the eighth new moon after the Bahá’í New Year) and therefore falls between mid-October and early November.
The historical date of the Báb’s birth is October 20, 1819.
History of the holiday
* After the Báb declared his mission, attracted followers, and faced opposition from the religious authorities of the time, his life and role began to be perceived by his followers as the beginning of a new era.
* Later, when the Bahá’í Faith was formed, the day of his birth was included among the holy days dedicated to the main Manifestations of God for modern humanity.
* Unlike ordinary anniversaries, the celebration is not tied to specific circumstances of his birth but symbolically marks the spiritual significance of the Báb’s role as the “Gate” to a new Manifestation of God.
Meaning of the holiday
* The holiday emphasizes the idea of a spiritual “opening of the gate” — the Báb is seen as the one who first prepared humanity for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, as the continuer and developer of the essence of the New Cycle.
* It conveys a message of the unity of humanity, readiness for a new stage of spiritual development, rethinking of religious heritage, and overcoming divisions.
* The Birthday of the Báb is a moment of joy, unity, communal prayer, and celebration that helps strengthen the bonds among believers.
How the celebration takes place
* Usually, the celebration begins the evening before the official date, at sunset. This is important because, in Bahá’í tradition, the day begins at sunset.
* On this day, community gatherings are held: readings from the writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, collective prayers, songs, sometimes dances, greetings, and good deeds.
* There are no strict dietary rules or fasting, but the celebration has a solemn and joyful character. In some communities, friendly meals and discussions of community news take place.
Features and interesting facts
* Although the historical date of the Báb’s birth is October 20, 1819, the modern date of celebration varies due to the nature of the calendar.
* The Birthday of the Báb and the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh are considered “twin” holidays, as they are connected in Bahá’í teachings and celebrated consecutively.
* In some countries where Bahá’í communities are not recognized with official holiday status, work and study may continue, but participation in celebrations is encouraged.
Bab's birthday in other years
- 2021 October 20, Wednesday
- 2022 October 20, Thursday
- 2023 October 20, Friday
- 2024 October 20, Sunday
- 2026 October 20, Tuesday