Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year)
The Baha'i New Year, the first day of the month of Baha (Splendor).
Naw-Ruz falls on the March equinox, March 20 or 21, as calculated for Tehran in the Baha'i (Badi) calendar. The Baha'i day begins at sunset the evening before.
When Is Naw-Ruz (Baha'i New Year)?
Naw-Ruz falls on the March equinox, March 20 or 21, as calculated for Tehran in the Baha'i (Badi) calendar. The Baha'i day begins at sunset the evening before.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Naw-Ruz falls on the spring equinox and marks the first day of the Baha'i calendar. Coming immediately after the 19-Day Fast, it is a joyous occasion celebrating renewal and the gift of life. Naw-Ruz itself has been celebrated as the Persian New Year since ancient times, and Baha'u'llah designated it a Baha'i holy day.
How It Is Observed
Prayer services, joyful community gatherings, festive meals, sharing of gifts, wearing new clothes. Many Baha'is observe the traditional Haft-sin table alongside Baha'i prayers.
Sacred Text
“O Pen of the Most High! Say: O people of the world! We have enjoined upon you fasting during a brief period, and at its close have designated for you Naw-Ruz as a feast.”
, Kitab-i-Aqdas, Baha'u'llah, paragraph 16 ↗