Feast of the Nineteenth Day of the month of Azamat (17/05)

On May 17, according to the Gregorian calendar, the month of Azamat begins, which translated from Arabic means «Greatness». On this day —, the first day of the month of Azamat according to the nineteen-month Bahá'í calendar — marks the important holiday — the holiday of the Nineteenth day of the month of Azamat.

The Feast of the Nineteenth Day was established by Bab and confirmed by Bahá'u'lláh in His holy book of Akdas so that people could meet and show friendly affection and love to each other.

The purpose of the holiday — is to achieve agreement so that, thanks to friendly affection, hearts merge in perfect unity, and mutual disposition and mutual support are established.

The holidays of the Nineteenth Day in the Bahá'í community, although they have a given order of conduct, nevertheless open up ample opportunities for diversity and creativity. So, during any of the three parts of the holiday — prayer, administrative and social — music can be played.

Abdul-Baha advises believers to come out with eloquent, soul-raising stories. Forms of expression of hospitality can be original and varied, and it is also critical at what level the general council is held and how widely the topics are presented.

The use of elements of local cultural traditions in each part of the holiday is encouraged, as this gives it due originality and reflects the uniqueness of each society in which the holiday is held, and also helps to create an elevated atmosphere and good mood among those gathered.

975