13th International Convention: Homeward-bound, delegates radiate spirit of unity

May 3, 2023

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — The journey of the International Bahá’í Convention participants culminated with high emotion yesterday evening, as they commemorated the Festival of Riḍván on the sacred grounds surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'llah in Bahjí—a deeply moving experience that left them brimming with inspiration.

The Festival of Riḍván holds a special place in the hearts of Bahá’ís, as it marks the period when Bahá'u'lláh, the Founder of the Faith, publicly proclaimed His mission as a Messenger of God. This twelve-day festival, celebrated from 21 April to 2 May, is a time of joy and reflection for Bahá’ís around the world. Delegates at the Convention drew inspiration from the spirit of Riḍván, which represents a pivotal moment of unity and renewal.

The commemoration in Bahjí served as a poignant capstone to the Convention, as participants of the gathering embarked on their homeward journeys. Enriched by their experience over the past days, the delegates return to countries across the world, fueling ongoing efforts to foster peaceful societies.

Below is a small selection of images of the closing day of the Convention and the commemoration of the 12th day of Riḍván in Bahjí.

The 13th International Bahá’í Convention closed with a choral arrangement sung by a choir comprising staff of the Bahá’í World Centre.
A representative from the United States boards a bus following the close of the Convention.
Delegates from Croatia following the close of the Convention.
Representatives from Timor-Leste look at the official group photo of the 13th International Bahá’í Convention.
Delegates from Poland make their way to Bahjí to attend the Holy Day celebration.
Delegates make their way to busses following the final session of the Convention.
A delegate from Spain (left) with fellow Convention participants before returning to her country.
Delegates from Türkiye on their way to Bahjí for the 12th day of Riḍván celebration.
Participants board a bus to the airport following the Holy Day celebration in Bahjí.
Delegates approaching the Bahjí Visitors’ Centre before the start of the 12th day of Riḍván celebrations.
Guests approach the Bahjí Visitors’ Centre ahead of 12th day of Riḍván celebrations.
A delegate from Vietnam.
Delegates arrive for the start of the celebration of the 12th day of Riḍván.
Participants walk in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of  Baháʼu’lláh.
Following a devotional program, guests circumambulate the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Delegates of the International Bahá'í Convention prayer in reverent contemplation close to the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Delegates pray next to the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Delegates pray in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Delegates from Thailand in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Guests are greeted and handed programs as they approach their seats for the Holy Day celebration.
A delegate from Hawaii reads a prayer during the program for the Festival of Riḍván held in Bahjí.
Representatives begin their circumambulation of the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh during the 12th day of Riḍván celebration.
Representatives of Baháʼí communities from around the world circumambulate the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
The Mansion of Bahjí can be seen in the distance as Convention participants circumambulate the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Convention participants walk between rows of cypress trees as they circumambulate the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Convention participants walk by Collins Gate as they circumambulate the Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh.
Participants return to the Bahjí Visitors’ Centre following the Holy Day celebration.
Following the program celebrating the 12th day of Riḍván, delegates prayer near the Shrine of  Baháʼu’lláh before returning to their countries.
Participants leave Bahjí following the end of the program for the Holy Day celebration.
Delegates reflect and say prayers near the Shrine of  Baháʼu’lláh before returning their countries.
A Counsellor from Africa (left) and delegates from the Seychelles following the celebration of the 12th day of Riḍván in Bahjí.
Delegates from various countries, including Canada and Greenland, at the celebration of the 12th day of Riḍván.
A delegate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo holds a painting gifted to the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of that country by the National Assembly of Fiji. The painting features a sacred Bahá’í symbol known as the Greatest Name.