Among all Bahá’í meetings, the Nineteen Day Feast, the gathering of the friends once every 19 days, has special significance. It is the centre-piece of Bahá’í community life. Bahá’ís are enjoined to observe this monthly gathering, which is open to both adults and children.

The Feast consists of three parts: spiritual devotion, administrative consultation, and social fellowship. As such, the Feast combines religious worship with grass-roots governance and social enjoyment, embracing the elements at the very base of society. It begins with prayers and readings from Bahá'í texts. After this there is a discussion of community issues. Finally, the Bahá'ís enjoy a social occasion. Bahá'ís regard the Feast as important activity (a 'duty and privilege'), as coming together as a community helps to build the unity that is fundamental to Bahá'í belief.

The word “feast” might seem to imply that a large meal will be served. That is not necessarily the case. While food and beverages are usually served, the term is meant to suggest that the community should enjoy a “spiritual feast” of worship, fellowship, and unity.

The administrative part of the Feast includes reports of the activities of Bahá’í communities near and far, consultation on the affairs of the Faith in one’s own community, and reflection on local progress. Community members have the opportunity to become more familiar with the guidance and writings of the Faith and to make suggestions to the Local Spiritual Assembly. The consultations at Feast are of utmost importance, as it is by this method that every individual participates in the affairs of the worldwide Bahá’í community. The consultations allow every member a voice in community affairs and thus make the Feast an “arena of democracy at the very root of society.”