Fresh Ideas for Ayyám-i-Há Festivities

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What’s your favorite way to connect with friends and neighbors? Do you love learning new recipes or dances from around the world? Maybe you like working side by side, helping to ease the load for others. Whether you prefer quiet craft nights or lively parties, spending time together is a great way to brighten our spirits.

From February 25–March 1 in 2022, Bahá’ís around the world will celebrate the festival of Ayyám-i-Há. It’s a wonderful time of generosity and community. Friends help those in need, share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy time together. The love generated in these days helps Bahá’ís prepare for the month of fasting, which lasts from March 2–20.

Ayyám-i-Há events are as diverse as humanity itself. Groups may do service projects, such as planting trees, working at a food bank, or collecting supplies for an animal shelter. Gatherings are held to share prayers and talk about spiritual topics. Parties may include music, games, crafts, homemade gifts, and delicious food from many cultures.

Check out these festive ideas for activities, games, and recipes to help you connect with loved ones at Ayyám-i-Há or any time. Invite family, friends, and neighbors to join in the fun and share the joy with your community.

 

Celebrate with Style

Throw a service party, host a night of craft and cookies, get goofy with jokes and games, or have a blast dancing to your favorite music. These ideas for distinctive party themes can help make new connections in your community. You might even discover some hidden talents!
 

Ayyám-i-Há Wreath

Help get creative juices flowing with an Ayyám-i-Há craft. Invite guests to make simple and colorful nine-pointed star wreaths. Give the wreaths as gifts and hang them in your homes to decorate for the holiday.
 

Fun in February

Joyful crafts, games, and gifts can help any gathering become a laughter-filled celebration. Invite your community to write Ayyám-i-Há poetry together. Make unique suncatchers to hang in your windows. Sprout some herbs for gifts that keep giving, and enjoy a competitive challenge with a snowball relay race.
 

Festival of Friendship

Ayyám-i-Há is a great opportunity to deepen connections with those around you. Get to know your guests even better with Friendship Bingo. Make butterfly gift bags to help spread the spirit of spring. Put your musical detecting skills to the test with a duet game. Share the sweetness of the season with tasty treats.
 

Ayyám-i-Há Cheer

Brighten your celebration by making colorful decorations for an Ayyám-i-Há photo backdrop. Work in teams to build challenging pyramids of plastic cups. Make a kindness bouquet of paper roses to inspire acts of service. Combine art and devotions with a community prayer mosaic.
 

Happy Ayyám-i-Há!

Share joy by making your own gifts and decorations. All you need is paper and a hole punch to decorate your house with festive, homemade ornaments. Inspire creativity and fun with an artistic get-to-know-you game. Make a service jar and surprise loved ones with acts of kindness. Bake a batch of tasty granola to help your friends prepare for the Bahá’í Fast.
 

Time for Celebration and Sharing

If you’re curious what it’s like to celebrate Ayyám-i-Há as a Bahá’í kid, check out this article written by Anisa P. at age 14. She shares what she loves about this special time of year, as well as the Bahá’í Fast and Naw-Rúz (New Year) that follow.

Updated on 2.18.19