The Bahá'í Nineteen-Day Fast usually begins around March 2nd and ends around March 21st. It is a time of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the Bahá'í New Year. 

How it works

  • Bahá'ís between the ages of 15 and 70 abstain from food, drink, and tobacco from sunrise to sunset 
  • They also set aside time for prayer and meditation 
  • The fast takes place during the Bahá'í month of ʻAlaʼ, which means "Loftiness" 

Why it's observed To remember one's dependency on God, To learn detachment from material things, and To bring adherents closer to God.