Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year)

Welcome a new year full of hope and joy on Naw-Ruz, the Baha'i New Year. A celebration of unity and a fresh start for all!
Weekly And Monthly Reports - Techcloud X Webflow Template
When it is?
March 20
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Cause
Location Icon
Country
International
Introduction

Let the spirit of renewal and unity soar high on March 20 with the celebration of Naw-Ruz, the Baha’i New Year! Rooted in the 19th-century teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, Naw-Ruz marks the completion of a 19-day period of fasting and prayer, bringing together Baha’is around the world in a celebration of unity and promise of a fresh start. It coincides with the spring equinox, symbolizing rebirth and renewal - the perfect time to let go of past mistakes and set audacious goals for the future. Come join in the festivities and inspiring rituals of this special day as we welcome a new year full of hope and joy. It's truly a time of excitement, reflection, and global togetherness!

History of Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year)

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) Dates

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Proclamation by Baha'u'llah</div><div class='timeline-text'>Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i Faith, proclaimed his mission as God's most recent Messenger for this age.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Naw-Ruz</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the same year, Baha'u'llah established Naw-Ruz as a time of renewal and unity in the Baha'i calendar.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1892</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Passing of Baha'u'llah</div><div class='timeline-text'>Upon Baha'u'llah's passing, his teachings continued to spread, including the observance of Naw-Ruz among Baha'is globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Naw-Ruz gained further prominence as the Baha'i Faith grew and was recognised by United Nations as a non-governmental organisation (NGO).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Naw-Ruz in Iran</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite ongoing struggles for religious freedom in Iran, Naw-Ruz continued to be celebrated by Baha'is in secret, demonstrating the spirit of resilience and unity of the Baha'i community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Naw-Ruz is currently observed internationally by the Baha'i community and is recognised as a cultural event in many places across the globe.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year)

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a community feast</h3><p class='facts-text'>Since Naw-Ruz marks the end of a 19-day fast, it's traditional to celebrate with a community feast. Gather your friends, neighbors, and family for a large meal to honor this special time of year. Everyone can contribute a dish to create a variety of flavors and experiences.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Start a garden</h3><p class='facts-text'>Given that Naw-Ruz coincides with the spring equinox, now is the perfect time to start a garden or plant some flowers. It will serve as a symbolic act of growth and renewal, resonating with the essence of the day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in outdoor activities</h3><p class='facts-text'>Enjoy the awakening of nature by organizing some outdoor activities. A picnic, outdoor games or sports, bird-watching or even a trek could be excellent ways to mark this day while enjoying the freshness that comes with spring.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a promise tree</h3><p class='facts-text'>To symbolize the fresh start that Naw-Ruz represents, create a promise tree. Each person can write down a goal or commitment they're making for the new year on a piece of paper and hang it on a tree. This physical reminder can motivate everyone to keep their promise throughout the year.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Engage in spiritual reflection</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dedicate some time to reflect on the spiritual meaning of Naw-Ruz. Reading the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, meditating, or praying together can create moments of peace and unity.  This can strengthen connections and deepen understanding of the significance of this special day.</p></div></div>

Why Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It symbolizes renewal and fresh starts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Naw-Ruz, being aligned with the spring equinox, signifies rebirth and renewal. This gives all who participate the perfect opportunity to let go of past mistakes, set goals for the future, and start anew. It's a chance for everyone to refresh their lives, relationships, and mindsets.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Naw-Ruz fosters unity and togetherness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The celebration of Naw-Ruz brings together Baha’is from all around the world in an expression of unity and togetherness. This celebration helps foster global unity and highlights the Baha'i principle of the oneness of humanity, as people from all walks of life come together to welcome the new year.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time of joy and celebration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Naw-Ruz is marked with festivities, joyous activities, and heart-warming rituals. Whether it's through a community feast, starting a garden, engaging in outdoor activities, creating a promise tree, or reflecting on the spiritual meaning of the day, it's a time of community excitement and personal reflection. These activities make Naw-Ruz a unique and enjoyable holiday.</p></div></div>

5 Inspiring Facts About Naw-Ruz Celebration

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Naw-Ruz is a Fusion of Cultural and Religious Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Naw-Ruz is a religious holiday for the Baha'i Faith, it also has deep roots in Persian culture and is celebrated as the Iranian New Year, or Nowruz. This rich blend of tradition and faith adds a layer of multicultural depth to the celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Naw-Ruz Begins Precisely at the Vernal Equinox</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many other holidays that are based on the lunar calendar or set dates, Naw-Ruz begins exactly at the moment of the vernal equinox. The exact timing varies year to year and place to place, making each celebration unique.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Name "Naw-Ruz" Literally Translates to "New Day"</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Farsi, "Naw" translates as "new" and "Ruz" translates as "day". This directly reflects the spirit of the holiday as a time of renewal and fresh beginnings.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Work and School are Suspended During Naw-Ruz</h3><p class='facts-content'>In many communities observing Naw-Ruz, work and school are suspended for the day. This provides a focused time for reflection, goal setting, and celebration of unity and renewal.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bahá'u'lláh Designated Five Important Days for Feast and Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Naw-Ruz is one of the Holy Days appointed by Bahá'u'lláh for feasting and celebration, reinforcing its importance in the Baha'i calendar and highlighting its significant role in fostering unity and bonding among members of the Baha'i community.</p></div></div>

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) FAQs

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year) Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Cause Holidays