Boston-Area Baha'is Celebrate Nah Ruz (New Year)

April 7, 2004

Source: Chelmsford Independent

http://www.townonline.com/chelmsford/news/local_regional/ci_newbibahai04072004.htm

On April 7, 2004 the Chelmsford Independent ran a feature article on New Year's celebrations among the Baha'i community of Lowell, Mass.: "It was a festive occasion, with friends chatting and laughing, and exuberant children making full use of the dance floor, running arm in arm in giddy circles. But the noise ended and a solemn quiet filled the elegant banquet hall as everyone sat at the tables and bowed their heads. The sound of a violin resonated, followed by that of voice and guitar - prayer set to music. Dressed formally in black suit and tie, Hooshmand Afshar took the microphone and addressed the gathering: 'Happy Nah Ruz and Happy New Year.' His greeting elicited applause, but he was not satisfied. 'That's not how you do it,' Afshar said, and repeated the invocation, which this time prompted louder clapping, and hoots and shouts of approval. 'Now you're warming up,' Afshar said, to laughter. The stage was set for the gathering at the Doubletree Hotel in Lowell of more than 200 Bahais from throughout the region to begin their recent celebration of the new year as observed in their religious calendar. The observance is derived from the ancient Persian calendar, in which the new year begins with the Spring Equinox. 'Nah Ruz' - Persian for 'new day' - is one of several Bahai traditions originating in Iran, the birthplace of a young but rapidly growing faith."