Nineteen-Day Fast

Key dates of the Baháʼí calendar
Year Ayyám-i-Há Fast Naw-Rúz
2023 26 Feb1 Mar2 Mar20 Mar21 Mar
2024 26 Feb29 Feb1 Mar19 Mar20 Mar
2025 25 Feb28 Feb1 Mar19 Mar20 Mar
2026 25 Feb1 Mar2 Mar20 Mar21 Mar
2027 26 Feb1 Mar2 Mar20 Mar21 Mar
2028 26 Feb29 Feb1 Mar19 Mar20 Mar
2029 25 Feb28 Feb1 Mar19 Mar20 Mar
2030 25 Feb28 Feb1 Mar19 Mar20 Mar

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 2025, the fast begins at sunset on Friday, February 28 and ends on sunset on Wednesday, March 19.