First Day of Ridvan - Festival of Ridvan
The word Ridvan (pronounced "riz-wan") means "Paradise." For twelve days, April 21 to May 2, Baha'is celebrate the period in 1863 when Bahau'llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahai Faith, resided in a garden in Baghdad which He called "the Garden of Ridvan ." During this period, Bahau'llah proclaimed His mission as God's messenger for this age.
The Ninth Day of Ridvan
The arrival of Baha'u'llah's family to the Ridvan garden and They celebrated today as the ninth Day of Ridvan.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan
2 May 1863 Baha'u'llah, 11 family members and 26 disciples depart for Constantinople at noon. During the journey, they are accorded enthusiastic receptions wherever they stopped, being preceded by the government cavalry, flags flying and drums beating
Baha'u'llah rode out of Baghdad, on His way to Constantinople
Arrival of Bahau'llah in Constantinople
Arrival in Constantinople [the Sublime Porte] at noon. The house provided was too small. Within a month they were relocated to larger quarters. The Persian government is extremely upset with the courteousness and kindness shown by the Sultan toward Baha'u'llah, Who was received as a guest. Finally the Sultan was unable to resist the political pressure and issues the edict of banishment to the remote Adrianople (modern day Edirne). Baha'u'llah sends His first of many letters to the Kings and rulers of the world, to Sultan 'Abdu'l-'Aziz
Arrival of Bahau'llah in Adrianople
Arrival in Adrianople [the Land of Mystery] after a bitterly cold 12 day journey. Here, Baha'u'llah publicly announces His mission, both to His followers and to the world in letters to the Kings, rulers, religious leaders and mankind in general including elected officials