Nineteen-Day Fast
| Year | Ayyám-i-Há | Fast | Naw-Rúz | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 26 Feb | 29 Feb | 1 Mar | 19 Mar | 20 Mar |
| 2025 | 25 Feb | 28 Feb | 1 Mar | 19 Mar | 20 Mar |
| 2026 | 25 Feb | 1 Mar | 2 Mar | 20 Mar | 21 Mar |
| 2027 | 26 Feb | 1 Mar | 2 Mar | 20 Mar | 21 Mar |
| 2028 | 26 Feb | 29 Feb | 1 Mar | 19 Mar | 20 Mar |
| 2029 | 25 Feb | 28 Feb | 1 Mar | 19 Mar | 20 Mar |
| 2030 | 25 Feb | 28 Feb | 1 Mar | 19 Mar | 20 Mar |
| 2031 | 25 Feb | 1 Mar | 2 Mar | 20 Mar | 21 Mar |
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| Baháʼí Faith |
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Adherents of the Baháʼí Faith observe a sunrise-to-sunset fast annually for the nineteen days of the Baháʼí month of Loftiness. The practice is regarded as one of the most significant obligations of a Baháʼí, along with daily obligatory prayers. There are several exemptions to the fast, such as pregnancy or illness, and it only applies to those 15 to 70 years old.
The nineteen-day fast was instituted by the Báb, a central figure of the religion. It was later affirmed by Baháʼu'lláh, the founder, and explained in his Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The purpose of the fast is to practice abstinence from carnal desires, rejuvenate one's inner spiritual life, and bring to mind the deprivation experienced by prophets.
The nineteen days of fasting occur immediately after Ayyam-i-Ha, the four or five intercalary days of the Baháʼí calendar dedicated to prepare for the upcoming month of restraint. The fast concludes at the festival of Naw Ruz, on the vernal equinox (20–21 March, depending on the year).
For 2026, the fast begins at sunset on Sunday, March 1 and ends on sunset on Friday, March 20.