Festival of Naw-Ruz (New Year)

Naw Rúz is the ancient Persian festival marking the beginning of spring (the spring equinox) and the start of a new year.  For Bahá’ís it is also the day that marks the end of the month of fasting.

Naw-Rúz is one of nine Bahá’í holy days where work and school must be suspended.  It is the only one that is not associated with an event in the lives of either the Báb or Bahá’u’lláh.  It is usually a happy event observed with meetings for prayer and music, and a festive meal.  As with all Bahá’í holy days, there are few fixed rules for observing Naw-Rúz, and Bahá’ís all over the world celebrate it as a special day, according to local custom.