Birth of the Bab

Bab, Birth of the

October 20Birth of the Bab is a holy day in the Baha'i religion to celebrate the birthday in 1819 of Mirza Ali Mohammad in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran). In 1844, Mirza Ali declared himself the Bab (meaning "gate") and foretold the coming of one greater than he. The day, on which work is suspended, is a happy social occasion for Baha'is.
See also Bab, Declaration of theand Bab, Martyrdom of the
CONTACTS:
Bahai National Center
1233 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201
800-228-6483 or 847-869-9039; fax: 847-733-3578
www.us.bahai.org
Bahai International Community
866 United Nations Pl., Ste. 120
New York, NY 10017
212-803-2500; fax: 212-803-2566
www.bahai.org
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 175
ConEncyBahai-2000, p. 55
DictWrldRel-1989, p. 86, 87
RelHolCal-2004, p. 156