Source: Park Ridge Herald-Advocate
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge/news/1493805,pr-bahai-032409-s1.article
As the calendar declared March 20 to be the start of a new season, local followers of the Baha'i faith also welcomed in a new year.
Gathering at the iconic Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette for songs and prayer on March 21, Baha'is celebrated Naw-Ruz, an ancient new year festival originating in Iran, the birthplace of the Baha'i faith.
Naw-Ruz, which coincides with the vernal (spring) equinox, is one of the nine holiest days for Baha'is who believe in a unity among the major world religions and who consider Abraham, Moses, Krishna, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Buddha and Zoroaster to be among God's messengers on Earth.
Naw-Ruz also marks the conclusion of 19 days of fasting and prayer that began on March 2.