Declaration of the Báb

23 May
This is celebrated 22-23 May (from 2 hours after sunset on the 22nd).

On the evening of May 22, Baha’is throughout the world commemorate the Declaration of the Bab, which took place in this room in the Persian city of Shiraz in 1844. Bahá’ís celebrate through prayers and programs where the story of His declaration may be retold. Because the Bahá’í day lasts from sunset to sunset, celebrations are usually held after sunset on May 22 or during the day on May 23. May 23 is one of nine days in the Bahá’í calendar when Bahá’ís suspend work or school.

The Báb was the forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. His mission was to prepare the world for the coming of Bahá'u'lláh and he declared it in the evening of May 22 1844. The Báb was later imprisoned and executed for his beliefs and activities. This is commemorated on the day of the Martyrdom of the Báb.