Chicago Baha’i Community Master Calendar

May 23, 1844 marks the beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith in Shiraz, Persia (Iran). The Báb, whose name means the “Gate,” proclaimed to his first disciple, a young religious scholar, that He was not only the founder of an independent world religion, but the herald of a new and greater Messenger of God. This new Messenger would usher in an age of peace for all humanity.

Bahá’í communities mark this holy day with community gatherings in the evening. The story of the Báb's declaration is told and special prayers are read, along with performances and fellowship. Work and school are suspended on this day.