Naw Ruz (Baha'i - New Year)

Baha'i observance of the vernal equinox symbolizing spiritual growth and renewal. Naw-Ruz (New Year) - Baha'i

Starting at sundown on March 20th, Baha’is will celebrate Naw-Ruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) - specifically New Year 167 BE of the Baha’i Era. Naw-Ruz is one of the nine Baha'i holy days on which Baha'is suspend work and school.

As with Baha’i holy days generally, there are few specific rules for the observance/celebration of Naw-Ruz. It is typically observed with celebration and prayer. And, since the sunset on which Naw-Ruz begins ends the last day of the Baha’i Fast, observances are often combined with a dinner. For many Baha’is Naw-Ruz is also a day of gift-giving.

NOTE: Baha'is follow the Badi (Wonderful) calendar, which consists of 19 months of 19 days each (361 days), with the addition of "Intercalary Days" (four in ordinary and five in leap years) between the 18th and 19th months to adjust the calendar to the solar year. Months are named after the attributes of God. The first month of the Baha’i year is Baha (meaning Splendor).

The folks at Adherents.com tell us that there are well over 7 million people of Baha’i Faith globally. After sundown on March 20th, we ask that each of you pause for a few moments and, in a manner appropriate in your faith tradition and/or belief system, send thoughts of love and good will to all of our Baha’i brothers and sisters.

Happy Naw-Ruz!

Shalom Salaam Peace Kay & Dave Corby, Founders Common Tables