Those of the Baha’i Faith came together Tuesday at the Manteca Branch Library for a day of rejoicing and hospitality.

They were the local spiritual assembly that included those of various religions for the “Feast” to ring in the Baha’i New Year or the Naw-Ruz.

Some came from nearby communities of Stockton and Tracy.

For the Baha’i Faith, today (Wednesday) marks the beginning of the year 169 B.E. – “B.E.” means “Baha’i Era” of the calendar date, March 21, 1844 – which originated in Persia.

“This is a party – it’s a time for celebration and enjoying the company of those here,” said Russell Ballew of the Baha’is of Manteca.

The festivities included food, entertainment and prayer.

According to Marsha Munroe of the Baha’is of Manteca, a group from Del Webb Woodbridge was scheduled to perform as part of the entertainment.

Youngsters were also on tap to do a skit.

Ballew noted that the “Feast” was the end of the fasting period that began on March 2. The Naw-Ruz is one of nine Holy Days each year in which Baha’is suspend work.

“We were asked by the head of the Baha’i Faith to pray for the people of Iran,” he said.

The world center of the Baha’i Faith is Haifa, Israel, with the calendar consisting of 19 months – recognized for an attribute of God, such as Glory, Beauty, Perfection, Justice and Mercy – and with 19 days each.

In addition, the Baha’is are the most widely spread religion in the world after Christianity.