Locals celebrate Naw-Rúz with renewal, unity, and joy

by Marcia Veach, Eugene, Oregon

More than 70 local Baháʼís, friends, family, neighbors, and collaborators gathered at the NW Youth Corps building in Eugene on Wednesday, March 19, to celebrate Naw-Rúz (new year), the end of the Fast and the first day of year 182 of the Bahá’í Era.

The festive evening featured singing, prayers, and the story of one person’s personal experience of the Bahá’í Fast. Activities included a Naw-Rúz bingo game, a fabulous potluck, and plenty of joyful dancing.

Naw-Rúz, which means “new day” in Persian, marks the beginning of the Bahá’í calendar year and is celebrated by Bahá’í communities around the world. It follows the 19-day period of fasting, reflection, and renewal that precedes it, making the celebration both a spiritual and social turning point in the year.

The Bahá’í calendar—called the Badíʻ calendar—is unique. It consists of 19 months of 19 days each, with days beginning at sunset. Naw-Rúz always falls on the vernal equinox, symbolizing balance, new growth, and the renewal of both nature and spirit. For local Bahá’ís, this time of year is not only a celebration of community and renewal, but also a reminder of the shared global purpose that connects local gatherings to a wider movement for unity and transformation.

From Eugene to Ethiopia, from small towns to large cities, Bahá’ís observe Naw-Rúz as a time to strengthen bonds of community with neighbors and collaborators, and energize their commitment to building a more just and peaceful world.

“Open Thou the portals of hope, and from the bounties of heaven bestow upon them a share. Turn this gloomy night into day and cause the day of Naw-Rúz to become blessed.”

—‘Abdu’l‑Bahá