The Ninth Day of Ridvan commemorates the reunion of Bahá'u'lláh with His family in the Garden of Ridvan in 1863. Flooding of the Tigris River had initially prevented them from crossing to join Him, but the waters receded enough on the ninth day for the family to finally arrive . This joyful reunion symbolizes unity and love, and the day is observed as one of the three major holy days of the twelve-day Ridvan festival, on which Bahá'ís suspend work and school if possible .