March 13, 2006 – The Bahá'í Community of the Virgin Islands will be joining Bahá'ís around the world on March 21 in celebration of Naw Ruz, the Bahá'í New Year. This coming New Year will mark year number 163 of the Bahá'í Era. Naw Ruz coincides with the vernal equinox, the first day of spring, and it symbolizes spiritual growth and renewal. It follows the month of fasting when Bahá'ís abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The Bahá'í Fast is essentially a period of meditation and prayer when each individual reflects on his or her spiritual life. It symbolizes the importance of detachment and self-restraint and is used as spiritual preparation for the New Year.
The Bahá'í Era was inaugurated in 1844 with the declaration of the Báb (the Gate), whose teachings prepared the people of that age for the coming of the Promised One of All Ages, fulfilled in the person of Bahá'u'lláh in 1863. The teachings of the Baha'i Faith focus around the pivotal principles of the oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of mankind, and provide guidance for bringing about unity in the world.
Local Bahá'í communities invite the general public to join them for their Naw Ruz celebrations. For more information call the Bahá'í National Center at 774-3648.