Bahá’í guide
What to bring home from Bahá’í pilgrimage
Gift ideas and tips for Bahá’í pilgrims and visitors to Haifa and Akko: what to bring home for family, friends and your community, and when to shop.
For a Bahá’í, pilgrimage to the holy places in Haifa and Akko is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey – and the people at home want to share in it. Family, friends, the local community and the children’s class are all waiting to hear about it, and many pilgrims like to bring something back for each of them. This guide is for pilgrims and other Bahá’í visitors who want to do that well without losing precious time.
About Bahá’í pilgrimage
Bahá’í pilgrimage lasts nine days and is arranged by the Bahá’í World Centre for Bahá’ís who apply in advance. The programme includes the Shrines of the Báb and of Bahá’u’lláh and other holy places in Haifa and in and around Akko. It is, above all, a spiritual journey, and the schedule is full. Shopping is a small part of it – which is exactly why a little planning helps.
Many Bahá’ís also visit Haifa outside formal pilgrimage, and the tips below apply just as well to them.
Make a list before you fly
- Who: write down everyone you want to bring something for – family, close friends, your local community, the children’s class or junior youth group.
- Ring sizes: if you plan to buy a ringstone ring for someone, find out their size before you leave. Sizes vary by country, so it helps to bring a ring they already wear, or its measurement in millimetres.
- Colours and styles: note favourite colours for cord bracelets, and whether someone prefers silver or gold tones.
- Budget and luggage: decide on a rough budget and leave room in your suitcase.
Gift ideas by person
For your community or children’s class
Ringstone cord bracelets are the practical answer: light, colourful, unbreakable and easy to buy in numbers. Give one to each child, with a story about where it came from.
For close family
A ringstone signet ring – in silver, gold or rose-gold tone – is a lasting reminder of your pilgrimage that can be worn every day.
For your local Bahá’í centre or spiritual assembly
A model of the Shrine of the Báb or a Shrine of the Báb plate brings the image of Mount Carmel into a shared space where everyone can enjoy it.
For friends who are not Bahá’ís
Something that says “Haifa” or “Israel” is often best: a picture of the gardens, a hamsa or another Haifa souvenir – along with your stories and photographs.
For yourself
Many pilgrims choose one personal keepsake – a ring or a small model – to remember the days spent at the Shrines.
When to shop
Pilgrimage days are full, so look at your programme on arrival and find a free afternoon early in your stay. Shopping early means you are not rushing on your last day, and it gives time to come back if you need another size or colour. Our shop on Hertzel Street is a short walk from the Shrine of the Báb; see how to find us.
Shopping for friends who could not come
If you are at home and a friend is going on pilgrimage, send them a short list – with ring sizes – rather than a vague request. It makes it much easier for them to bring back exactly what you want.
Packing and travel
- Keep jewelry in your hand luggage.
- Wrap models and plates in clothing and pack them in the centre of your bag.
- Keep receipts together in case your home country’s customs ask about purchases.
- Israel uses the shekel (₪); credit cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for small purchases.
More ideas: Bahá’í gift ideas · Bahá’í symbols explained · Visiting the Bahá’í Gardens
Frequently asked questions
What do Bahá’í pilgrims bring home from Haifa?
Common choices are ringstone symbol jewelry, models and pictures of the Shrine of the Báb, photographs of the terraces and Bahjí, and small items such as cord bracelets that can be shared with a whole community or children’s class.
Where can I buy Bahá’í gifts during pilgrimage?
Armant, at Hertzel 5 in Hadar HaCarmel, is a short walk from the Shrine of the Báb and sells ringstone rings and bracelets, Bahá’í leather bracelets and Shrine of the Báb keepsakes. It is an independent shop, not part of the Bahá’í World Centre.
How long is Bahá’í pilgrimage?
Bahá’í pilgrimage lasts nine days and includes visits to the holy places in Haifa and in and around Akko. It is arranged by the Bahá’í World Centre for Bahá’ís who apply in advance.
What is the best gift to bring back for a large community?
Something light, unbreakable and available in quantity – ringstone cord bracelets are a favourite because they come in several colours and fit easily into a suitcase.
