Baha'i festival

The North Florida's Baha'i community -- along with Baha'is around the world --will observe the annual Festival of Ridv㌻ -- a 12-day holiday that includes social gatherings, devotional services and election of administrative leaders -- beginning today at sunset.

The holiday commemorates the day in 1863 when the founder of the Baha'i Faith announced he was God's messenger. There are about 200 Baha'is in the Jacksonville area, 142,000 in the nation and 5 million worldwide, said Sherry Czerniejewski, assembly secretary.

The public is invited to attend the "Baha'i Ridv㌻ Festival" from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28 at the Jacksonville Baha'i Center, 2140 St. Johns Bluff Road S. Admission is free. For more information, call (904) 646-9813.