Twin Holy Days Celebrated in Eugene

by Marcia Veach, Eugene

Bahá’ís in the Eugene-Springfield area joined communities around the world this week in celebrating the Twin Holy Days – the birthdays of the two central figures of the Bahá’í Faith. Observances spanned October 21-23, following the Bahá’í calendar.* During that period, local Bahá’ís and friends held several gatherings to mark the occasions with joy, reflection, and fellowship.

Honoring the Birth of the Báb

The largest event took place on Tuesday evening at the Campbell Community Center in Eugene, where attendees shared dinner, prayers, and stories honoring the Birth of the Báb, known as the Forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith. The Báb, born in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran) in 1819, called for spiritual renewal and prepared the way for Bahá’u’lláh, “He Whom God shall make manifest.” Though His life was cut short by persecution and martyrdom, His message of courage and transformation continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Celebrating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

Smaller neighborhood gatherings followed to celebrate the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Friends met in homes across Eugene and Springfield for singing, games, food, and conversation focused on Bahá’u’lláh’s message of peace and unity.

Bahá’u’lláh, born in 1817 in Tehran, devoted His life to serving humanity and guiding it toward a new age of justice and cooperation. His writings proclaim that humankind has reached its collective maturity and can now recognize its oneness.

O peoples of the world! The Sun of Truth hath risen to illumine the whole earth, and to spiritualize the community of man. Laudable are the results and the fruits thereof, abundant the holy evidences deriving from this grace. This is mercy unalloyed and purest bounty; it is light for the world and all its peoples; it is harmony and fellowship, and love and solidarity; indeed it is compassion and unity, and the end of foreignness; it is the being at one, in complete dignity and freedom, with all on earth. – Bahá’u’lláh

For local Bahá’ís, the Twin Holy Days are a time to pause, reconnect, and celebrate humanity’s shared spiritual heritage.

Those interested in learning more about the Bahá’í Faith or attending next year’s Twin Holy Day gatherings are warmly invited to contact us, or connect with a Bahá’í in your area.

*The Twin Holy Days are observed according to the Bahá’í calendar, and their dates vary each year based on the lunar cycle.

Two of the smaller gatherings celebrating the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.