provide in
general for a dignified and accurate presentation of all Baha'i
literature and its distribution to the general public.

The possibilities inherent in Baha'i institutions can only be estimated
when one realizes how rapidly modern civilization is disintegrating for
lack of that spiritual power which can alone supply the necessary attitude
of responsibility and humility to the leaders and the requisite loyalty to
the individual members of society.

Baha'i Feasts, Anniversaries, and Days of Fasting

Feast of Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year), March 21.
Feast of Ridvan (Declaration of Baha'u'llah), April 21-May 2.

Declaration of the Bab, May 23.(33)
Ascension of Baha'u'llah, May 29.
Martyrdom of the Bab, July 9.
Birth of the Bab, October 20.
Birth of Baha'u'llah, November 12.
Day of the Covenant, November 26.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha, November 28.
Period of the Fast, nineteen days beginning March 2.

Feasts

The essential joyousness of the Baha'i religion finds expression in
numerous feasts and holidays throughout the year.

In a talk on the Feast of Naw-Ruz, in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1912,
'Abdu'l-Baha said:--

In the sacred laws of God, in every cycle and dispensation there
are blessed feasts, holidays and workless days. On such days all
kinds of occupations, commerce, industry, agriculture, etc.,
should be suspended.

All should rejoice together, hold general meetings, become as one
assembly, so that the national oneness, unity and harmony may be
demonstrated in the eyes of all.

As it is a blessed day it should not be neglected, nor deprived of
results by making it a day devoted to the pursuit of mere
pleasure.

During such days institutions should be founded that may be of
permanent benefit and value to the people....

Today there is no result or fruit greater than guiding the people.
Undoubtedly the friends of God, upon such a day, must leave
tangible philanthropic or ideal traces that should reach all
mankind and not pertain only to the Baha'is. In this wonderful
dispensation, philanthropic affairs are for all humanity without
exception, because it is the manifestation of the mercifulness of
God. Therefore, my hope is that the friends of God, every one of
them, may become as the mercy of God to all mankind.

The Feasts of Naw-Ruz (New Y