Prime Minister Trudeau sends Ridván greetings
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, has written to extend his greetings to the Canadian Bahá’í community on the occasion of Ridván.
Ridván is a twelve-day festival that extends from 21 April – 2 May 2022, marking the days spent by Bahá’u’lláh along the Tigris River in Baghdad. In 1863, Bahá’u’lláh was joined by family and admirers, who had gathered to wish Him farewell prior to His exile from the city. During this time, He announced that He was the Messenger of God been long awaited by humanity to bring about a new age of peace, justice, and unity.
In his letter, Prime Minister Trudeau writes that Ridván is “a chance to recognize the many contributions that the Bahá’í community have made, and continue to make, to our country in all fields of endeavour.” He thanks Bahá’ís for “their dedication to fostering fellowship in the community” and offers his best wishes for a memorable celebration.
Three days of Ridván are observed as Bahá’í Holy Days on which work is suspended: the first, ninth and twelfth days of the festival.
During this time, Bahá’ís gather to elect their local and national governing institutions. These elections are held without campaigning or nominations. This year, the National Bahá’í Convention will be held from 29 April to 2 May in Toronto, at which the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada will be elected by delegates from across the country.
Originally published on the Canadian Baha'is News Service
