Baha’is in Seychelles celebrate Naw Ruz |23 March 2015

Baha’is in Seychelles joined their colleagues around the world on March 20, at sunset, to celebrate the beginning of their new year – Naw Ruz.

People of the Baha’i faith coming from different parts of Mahe – Anse Aux Pins, Anse Royale, Port Glaud, Pointe Larue and Plaisance – convened at the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale to celebrate their New Year in a joyous atmosphere.

Marion Gendron explained that Naw Ruz (New Day) is the Baha’i and Iranian new year, which occurs on the date of the vernal equinox, on or near March 21. It is one of the nine Baha’i holy days on which work and school are suspended. It is usually a festive event observed with meetings for prayer and music and dancing.

Mrs Gendron said it is also a time where winter comes to an end, bringing back the warmth and beauty.

“Naw Ruz was ordained by Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Baha’i faith, as a celebration of humanity’s spiritual springtime,” she said before explaining how this day is connected to Bahá'u'lláh himself.

The Bab (forerunner of Baha’u’llah) ordained Naw Ruz as a festival and that was later confirmed by Baha’u’llah. Bahá'u'lláh, a title that means the Glory of God, was born on November 12, 1817.

However, for Baha’is, Naw Ruz also has deep spiritual significance. It marks the end of a 19-day fast which is a period of reflection and profound spiritual reinvigoration for Baha’is. Only Baha’is aged between 15 and 70 years old and who are in good health fast between sunrise and sunset.

“Today is a joyous day for all Baha’is as we have just completed 19 days of fasting. Fasting is a reminder of the need for individuals to be detached from their worldly desires and also to take up new resolutions leading towards a better life,” noted Homa Mungapen, the public relations officer of the National Bahá’í office in Seychelles.

Baha’is’ in the world comprise individuals from every race, culture, socio-economic and religious background, and is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Baha’u’llah himself proclaimed that “mankind is an ever-advancing civilisation.”

His teachings provide the means for humanity to achieve its long-awaited unity and peace. The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until, its unity is firmly established.

Last Friday’s celebration kicked off with Baha’i prayers and some selected Baha’i writings on Naw-Ruz.  

Baha’is in Seychelles enjoyed food and danced on the night and on March 21 there was family gatherings, while and went to the Anse Royale beach for a picnic.
Naw-Ruz has also been celebrated in Victoria, Anse Etoile, Glacis, Bel Ombre, Anse Boileau, Grande Anse Praslin, Baie Ste Anne and La Digue.

Meanwhile, every year, the President of the United States, Barrack Obama, make a special address to the people of Iran for Naw-Ruz and this year, the first Lady, Michelle Obama, celebrated Naw-Ruz in the White House.