Naw-Ruz? What is Naw-Ruz? Naw-Ruz (Persian language) is the Baha’i new year. It’s the first day of the Baha’i calendar year, and one of 11 holy days for adherents of the Baha’i faith. It occurs each year on the vernal equinox on or near March 21.
Baha’u’llah (which means the Glory of God in the Persian language), the founder of the Baha’I faith, adopted this lunar calendar made up of 19 months of 19 days each and the use of Naw-Ruz as a holy day. This day follows the Baha’i month of fasting (a daily 12-hour fast for 19 days).
Baha’u’llah’s son, Abdu’l Baha, (the Servant of God) explained the significance of Naw-Ruz in terms of spring and the new life it brings. He explained that the equinox is a symbol of the manifestations of God (messengers) who include Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Mohammed, The Bab, and Baha’u’llah, and the message they proclaim is like a spiritual springtime, and that Naw-Ruz is used to commemorate it.
Naw-Ruz is a festive time, when Bahi’s get together with family and friends to celebrate. Usually, there is a potluck dinner, a brief program to commemorate the holy day. There is also singing, reading from the writings, prayers and games for all.
Abdu’l Baba wrote, “The Divine Springtime is come, O Most Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All-Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir yourself, and magnify before the entire creation, the name of God. And celebrate God’s praise, in such wise that all created things may be generated and made new.”
The new year begins once more, with Baha’is striving to fulfill their purpose for being, “to know God, love God, and to help create an ever-advancing civilization.”
—Karen Morse
Reader Comments(0)