Nineteen Day Feast
Nineteen Day Feast
Every nineteen days, the evening before the first day of each Bahá'í month, all of the Bahá'ís of a particular community meet at one of their houses, or the local Bahá'í centre, for a Feast.
In fact, since the Bahá'í day runs from sunset to sunset, Bahá'ís would say that the Feast is held on the first day of the Bahá'í month, beginning at sunset.
The Feast begins with prayers and readings from Bahá'í texts and those of other religions. After this there is a discussion of practical community issues. Finally, the Bahá'í enjoy a social occasion.
Bahá'ís regard it as important (a 'duty and privilege') to attend the Nineteen Day Feast: coming together as a community helps to build the unity that is fundamental to Bahá'í belief.
Although there usually are refreshments at the Feast, the name is given because the spiritual activities and socialising are seen as food for the spirit.