The first day of spring is Wednesday.

For Baha’i Faith, this is the beginning of the year – 169 B.E.

“B.E.” means “Baha’i Era” of the calendar date, March 21, 1844, which marks the religion’s origin in Persia.

The Baha’i Faith is the most widely spread religion in the world after Christianity, according to the Baha’is of Manteca.

To ring in the New Year or Naw-Ruz, the local spiritual assembly will host a “Feast” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Manteca Branch Library, 320 W. Center St.

The “Feast” includes about a dozen members of the community. They’ll come together with other Baha’is worldwide for prayer, community, consultation, and fellowship just prior to sunset, said Marsha Munroe of the Baha’is of Manteca.

Many are concerned about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, dating from the past to recent times.

 Naw-Ruz is one of nine Holy Days each year in which Baha’is suspend work.

The Baha’i calendar consists of 19 months – they’re named for an attribute of God, such as Glory, Beauty, Perfection, Justice and Mercy – with 19 days each.

Naw-Ruz always falls on March 21 and, with it, is the end of 19 days of fasting.

The Baha’i Faith has a following of about 5 million worldwide in 200 nations and territories.

The world center is located in Haifa, Israel.

For more information, call 209-239-1836.