Today at sundown, many Baha’is will begin celebrating the birth of Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith tradition. In Washtenaw County, approximately 60 Baha’is will gather to commemorate this holiday with a dinner, prayers and a devotional program.

“The life of Baha’u’llah is very fascinating to me,” said David Frankel, of The Baha'i Faith in Ann Arbor. “Wednesday’s program will have a narrative of the historical event we’re celebrating; I like learning about the circumstances during the time of his birth. He was born in Persia - which is now Iran - and I really appreciate learning about his life on these holy days.”

The birth of Baha’u’llah is one of nine holy days throughout the Baha’i calendar year for which work is suspended.

In 1817, Baha’u’llah was born; his birth was foretold by the Bab, another key figure in the Baha’i faith tradition. Baha’is consider Baha’u’llah a Manifestation of God, as they do Moses, Abraham, Christ, Muhammad, Krishna and Buddha. Baha’is are known for their religious tolerance, and they believe that a loving Creator sent the aforementioned figures to humans throughout history so that people would know how to worship Him.

Baha’u’llah’s son, Abdu’l-Baha, encouraged Baha’is to remember his father’s birthday by increasing unity in the community. While Baha’is in Washington, D.C. have long held a large gathering each year for Baha’u’llah’s birthday, Baha’is in Washtenaw County have done the same.

“We will have dinner at 7 p.m., and the commemorative event will start at 8 p.m.,” said Frankel. “There will be music - music that puts Baha’i teachings into notes - and anyone is welcome to attend.”

As with every Baha’i holy day, the birth of Baha’u’llah will celebrated until sunset the following day (tomorrow).

The Baha’u’llah celebration will begin at 7 p.m. at the Baha’i Center of Washtenaw County, at 5550 Morgan Road in Ypsilanti. The event is open to the public.

Stephanie Fenton covers Faith for AnnArbor.com. Stephanie can be reached at Fenton.Stephanie@gmail.com.