Naw-Ruz marks the end of the 19-day Baha’i Fast, which is a period of reflection and profound spiritual reinvigoration, and the beginning of the Baha'i new year. Naw-Ruz is a celebration of a “spiritual springtime” that symbolizes both individual renewal and mankind’s revitalization.
You can find a great interactive multi-year Baha’i calendar at bahai.org!
The Baha’i calendar (also called the Badi calendar, meaning wondrous or unique) is a solar calendar composed of 19 months of 19 days each, plus an extra period of four or five intercalary days, known as Ayyam-i-Ha. The Baha’i year begins on the day of the vernal equinox in Tehran (Iran), which usually falls around March 20th or March 21st. The inception of the Baha’i calendar was on 21 March 1844 CE, the year during which the Bab declared His mission and the Baha’i Faith began. Years are counted with the date notation of BE (Baha’i Era). The year 181 BE will begin on 20 March 2024, but because the Baha’i day begins and ends at sunset, this will be celebrated from sunset on March 19th.
The Baha’i day ends, and a new one begins at sunset; consequently, the day on which a Nineteen Day Feast or Holy Day is observed begins at the sunset of the day before the Gregorian calendar dates given above.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia.
We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
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