I am a Baha'i by faith. Naw-Ruz for Baha'is is special as it has a three-fold significance. Firstly, it is the celebration of the end of the fasting period for Baha'is, hence a celebration after a time of spiritual and physical purification.
Secondly, it is the first day of the Baha'i calendar which constitutes of 19 months of 19 days, and 4-5 day as intercalary days called Ayyam-i-Ha. The 19th month is when Baha'is fast for 1 Baha'i month, i.e. 19 days from sunrise to sunset. The first day of the first Baha'i month, Baha, is Naw-Ruz, which means New Day. It starts at the vernal equinox and can be any day between 20-23 March, when the earth changes its rotation. Hence, our divine calendar is based on science.
The third significance of Naw-Ruz for Baha'is is that the celebration, has its roots in Persia (currently Iran) and it has a cultural significance especially those from Iranian origins. Since the Baha'i faith was revealed in Iran, it has become part of our celebrations but does not have a religious significance for non-Iranians per se.
Naw-Ruz, celebrated by Baha'is, Shi'as, Iranians, Armenians, Turkish, and people from diverse backgrounds worldwide, embodies a beautiful tapestry of unity in diversity. Despite cultural, religious, and geographical differences, Naw-Ruz serves as a unifying occasion, where individuals come together to rejoice in the renewal of life and the onset of spring. This celebration transcends borders and embraces inclusivity, fostering a sense of harmony and shared humanity among all who partake in its festivities. From traditional customs to modern adaptations, Naw-Ruz reflects the richness of global culture and the universal spirit of joy and renewal.
As Baha'is we celebrate the new year generally within our local communities first. Starting with a19 Days' Feast, a gathering we have on the first of every Baha'i month. This is an administrative activity that brings the community together every 19 days, to pray, discuss events and activities of the community and share food. This is a religious, spiritual, material and communal activity.
After the 19 days', we are generally joined by our friends and others for our Naw-Ruz celebrations. We celebrate with prayers, songs, music, games in these programs or go out for a picnic with the community, depending on the context and culture of where we celebrate Naw-Ruz.
I have hosted many Naw-Ruz celebratory events in Pakistan and Australia as Master of Ceremonies (MC) and have been a presenter for various Bahai holy days and other occasions. I thoroughly enjoy Naw-Ruz as it is a time of renewal, the first day of spring, and after a month of reflection, it is a time to start anew, recharged and full of hope.
Please feel free to contact me if you need more info.
Happy Naw-Ruz!
Gallery of some Naw-Ruz Activities I was involved in around the world
"Unity in Diversity"
picnics- outings- hosting- connecting-presenting- praying-
