Baha’i New Year · Sunday, March 21, 2027 (begins at sundown Saturday)
Naw-Ruz
The Baha’i New Year: a joyful celebration of spring and renewal after a 19-day fast.
Say it like a neighbor
Happy Naw-Ruz
Say: now-ROOZ · “New Day”
Naw-Ruz Mubarak! Blessed New Year!
Many Baha’is simply say “Happy Naw-Ruz!” Persian-speaking friends also say “Naw-Ruz Mubarak” (now-ROOZ moo-BAH-rak), which means “Blessed Naw-Ruz.” “Happy New Year” works too.
Mar 21
Naw-Ruz means “New Day.” Tap to follow the Baha’i year as it turns toward spring.
When is Naw-Ruz? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Main day
Naw-Ruz falls on the spring equinox. The Baha’i calendar sets the date each year using the time of the equinox in Tehran, so it is usually March 20 or 21 (March 21 in 2027). Baha’i days run from sunset to sunset, so the holy day begins at sundown on Saturday, March 20, when the Fast ends. The Baha’i year has 19 months of 19 days, plus four or five extra days called Ayyam-i-Ha.
What is Naw-Ruz and what does it mean?
Naw-Ruz means “New Day” in Persian. It is the Baha’i New Year, the first day of the first month of the Baha’i calendar, and one of nine Baha’i holy days. It falls on the spring equinox, which is also the ancient Persian new year, celebrated for thousands of years in Iran and nearby countries as Nowruz.
For Baha’is, Naw-Ruz comes at the end of a 19-day period of fasting. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Faith, named Naw-Ruz as a feast to follow the Fast. Spring becomes a symbol of the spiritual renewal that Baha’is believe each new messenger of God brings.
The Baha’i Faith began in 19th-century Persia and now has followers in nearly every country. Its central teachings are the oneness of God, of religion and of humanity. Naw-Ruz celebrations are open to friends of every background and usually include prayers, music, food and gifts.
How is Naw-Ruz celebrated? Customs and traditions
Ayyam-i-Ha
Just before the Fast come four or five “Days of Ha,” the Intercalary Days, when Baha’is give gifts, help people in need and welcome guests in a spirit of generosity.
The 19-day Fast
From March 2 to March 20, adult Baha’is who are able do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset, and spend extra time in prayer and reflection. Children, older people, and those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, traveling or doing heavy labor are exempt.
Welcoming the new day
Baha’i days begin at sunset, so many communities gather on the evening of March 20 to break the Fast together with a prayer and a dinner, and gather again on March 21.
Prayers and readings
Gatherings begin with prayers and readings from the Baha’i writings, often in several languages, followed by music and singing.
A feast of hospitality
Naw-Ruz is the most festive of the Baha’i holy days. Food and sweets are shared, flowers fill the room, and many families exchange gifts. Friends and neighbors of every background are welcome.
Persian Nowruz traditions
Many Iranian Baha’is also keep customs of the Persian new year, such as the haft-sin table set with seven symbolic items beginning with the letter S, sprouted wheat grass called sabzeh, spring cleaning and visits to family. Not all Baha’is follow these customs, and the Baha’i holy day is a religious event in its own right.
Work is set aside
Naw-Ruz is one of nine holy days on which Baha’is suspend work and school where they can.
Being a good neighbor at Naw-Ruz
Tap each one as you go.
Naw-Ruz in Houston: how neighbors can take part
A Baha’i community in Houston since the 1930s
The Baha’i Faith has been part of Houston since the 1930s. The city’s first Local Spiritual Assembly, the elected council that guides a local Baha’i community, was formed on April 21, 1942. Today the community gathers at 2419 Fannin Street in Midtown.
The Houston Baha’i community holds devotional gatherings on Sunday mornings and monthly firesides, which are informal conversations about the Faith open to everyone. It has also taken part in interfaith events, including a Baha’i meditation hosted by the Rothko Chapel.
Baha’i communities in the Houston area gather for Naw-Ruz in March. We did not find a 2027 schedule when we checked, so please contact the community.
Naw-Ruz events in Houston
The Houston Baha’i community sets its own program. Please contact the community before you go. Celebrations are generally open to friends and neighbors.
Questions neighbors ask about Naw-Ruz
When is Bahá’í Naw-Ruz 2027?
Naw-Ruz is Sunday, March 21, 2027, and begins at sundown on Saturday, March 20, when the 19-day Fast ends.
What is Naw-Ruz?
Naw-Ruz means “new day.” It is the Bahá’í New Year, falls on the spring equinox and is one of nine Bahá’í holy days.
Is Naw-Ruz the same as Nowruz?
They are closely related. Nowruz is the Persian new year that many cultures celebrate on the equinox. Naw-Ruz is the Bahá’í holy day that falls on the same day.
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