October 20 was a very special day for Bahá’ís around the world – the Birth of the Bab. The Bab was the herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

The day is an observance of the anniversary of the birth on 20 October 1819 in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran), of Siyyid ‘Ali-Muhammad, who later took the title of “the Bab”, meaning “the Gate”.

Bahá’ís in West Berkshire held a big get-together – 35 to 40 people, aged from eight months to early 70s – to celebrate. Prayers, a buffet meal and a presentation by children giving an account of what happened on 20 October 1819 were all the order of the day. The West Berkshire Bahá’ís were joined by visitors –  Bahá’ís and non- Bahá’ís alike – from far and wide.

The day is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.

More details are available here