Ridván is a 12-day Bahá’í festival that takes place from 21 April to 2 May. It is celebrated worldwide by Bahá’ís, especially in parts of the United States, India, Iran, Canada, Africa and Latin America. Ridván commemorates Bahá’í founder Bahá’u’lláh’s announcement in 1863 of his mission as a Messenger of God. During the festival, people come together for community events, prayers, readings from Bahá’í scriptures and discussions on Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings. The 12th day of Ridván marks Bahá’u’lláh’s departure from the garden of Ridván and his public declaration.