The Bahá'í calendar begins. This is the first day of the first year of the Bahá'í calendar. It is annually celebrated by members of the Bahá'í Faith as the Bahá'í New Year or Náw-Rúz.

The Badíʻ calendar, a distinctive timekeeping system integral to the Baháʼí Faith, offers a unique perspective on the passage of time. Unlike many calendars, it's a meticulously structured solar calendar, designed not just for practical dating but also imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting the progressive nature of revelation in the Baháʼí teachings.

A Calendar Rooted in Virtues and Nature

At its core, the Badíʻ calendar comprises 19 months, each lasting 19 days. This elegant structure results in 361 days, which means there are some additional days needed to align with the solar year. These are the Intercalary Days, affectionately known as the ‘Ayyám-i-Há, which vary from four to five days annually, carefully inserted before the final month of the year to ensure accuracy. What truly sets this calendar apart is the profound symbolism behind its nomenclature: every single month, and indeed each day of the week, is named after a divine attribute or virtue. Imagine a month called Perfection, or a day named Mercy; it’s a constant, gentle reminder of spiritual qualities throughout one’s daily life.

The commencement of a new year in the Badíʻ calendar is a moment of natural renewal, perfectly timed with the northern spring equinox. This pivotal astronomical event, marking the sun's passage across the celestial equator, dictates the new year's arrival. Crucially, the precise moment of the equinox is determined by its occurrence in Tehran, Iran, a city of immense historical and spiritual significance for the Baháʼí Faith. The calendar's timeline itself is steeped in history; its inaugural year, Year 1 BE (Baháʼí Era), is precisely dated from 1844 CE. This year is not arbitrary, but commemorates the profound moment when the Báb, the Herald of the Baháʼí Faith, first began proclaiming His teachings, setting in motion a new spiritual cycle for humanity. To keep track, years on this calendar are consistently annotated with the designation BE, signifying the Baháʼí Era.

For instance, the Baháʼí year 179 BE beautifully commenced on March 21, 2022, aligning perfectly with the vernal equinox as observed in Tehran.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Badíʻ Calendar

What is the Badíʻ calendar?
The Badíʻ calendar is the official solar calendar used within the Baháʼí Faith, renowned for its spiritual naming conventions and alignment with natural phenomena.
How many months and days does it have?
It is composed of 19 months, each with 19 days, totaling 361 days. Additionally, there are 4 or 5 variable Intercalary Days (Ayyám-i-Há) each year to complete the solar cycle.
When does the Baháʼí New Year (Naw-Rúz) occur?
The Baháʼí New Year, known as Naw-Rúz, begins precisely at the moment of the northern spring equinox, as determined by astronomical calculations for Tehran, Iran.
What is the significance of the year 1844 CE?
The year 1844 CE marks the beginning of the Baháʼí Era (1 BE) and commemorates the start of the Báb's mission, signifying a new spiritual dispensation.
How are months and days named?
Uniquely, every month and day of the week in the Badíʻ calendar is named after a divine attribute or virtue, such as Glory, Mercy, or Perfection, reflecting spiritual themes.
What does 'BE' stand for?
BE stands for Baháʼí Era, serving as the annotation for years within the Badíʻ calendar system, similar to CE or AD in other dating systems.