AT SUNSET tonight Bahá’ís in Jersey will join others around the world in ending their annual 19-day fast and celebrating their version of new year.

The celebration, known as Náw-Rúz, continues until sunset on 21 March and coincides with the first day of spring.

This year Jersey’s Bahá’ís will travel to Guernsey for a special celebration, where they will break the fast, pray and celebrate along with their Guernsey counterparts.

The faith’s founder, Bahá’u’lláh, speaking of Náw-Rúz said: ‘This day is the crown of all the months and the source thereof, the day on which the breath of life is wafted over all created things.’

Marlene Morris, of the Jersey Bahá’í community, said that the New Year celebrations were not just for followers of the faith. ‘For many years in Jersey we have hosted a big party on the nearest Saturday to Náw-Rúz, with as many as 40 non-Bahá’í friends,’ she said. ‘It is always special when the 20th or 21st is on a weekend, as it makes it so much easier for us to organise our celebrations. This year we are doing something different by going to Guernsey and sharing the celebration with our friends there.’

• Picture: Jersey Bahá’ís Marlene Morris, Jill Butterfield, John Butterfield, Catherine Morris and Mary Connell. Picture by Rob Currie (00584236)