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Zoroastrian Festivals

Sacred celebrations marking the religious year, from Nowruz to the six seasonal Gahambars

Major Festivals

6 Festivals
21
Mar
Nowruz نوروز
The Zoroastrian New Year
The holiest day, celebrated at the spring equinox. Marks creation's renewal and the triumph of light over darkness. Features the Haft-Sin table, fire jumping, and family gatherings.
Highest Holy Day
26
Mar
Khordad Sal
Birthday of Zarathustra
Celebrates the birth of Prophet Zarathustra. Jashan ceremonies and special prayers are performed at fire temples to honor the founder of the faith.
Prophet's Birthday
1
Jul
Tiragan
Festival of Tishtrya
Festival of the rain deity Tishtrya (Sirius star). Celebrates water and rain with splashing, tying rainbow-colored bands, and reciting Yasht 8.
Water Festival
2
Oct
Mehregan
Festival of Mithra
Second most important festival after Nowruz. Honors Mithra, yazata of covenant, light, and justice. An autumn harvest celebration of friendship and truth.
Autumn Festival
30
Jan
Sadeh
Festival of Fire
Fire festival held 50 days before Nowruz. Celebrates King Hushang's discovery of fire. Large bonfires are lit to drive away winter's darkness.
Fire Festival
26
Dec
Zartosht No-Diso
Death Anniversary of Zarathustra
Day of remembrance and reflection on the Prophet's life, teachings, and eternal legacy to humanity.
Commemoration

The Six Gahambars

Seasonal Festivals
30
Apr
Maidyozarem
Mid-Spring • Creation of the Sky
Five days celebrating the creation of the sky. Community gatherings, charitable acts, and thanksgiving prayers.
Gahambar 1
29
Jun
Maidyoshem
Mid-Summer • Creation of Water
Celebrating the creation of water at the summer solstice period.
Gahambar 2
12
Sep
Paitishem
Harvest • Creation of Earth
Festival celebrating the creation of earth. Harvest thanksgiving period.
Gahambar 3
12
Oct
Ayathrem
Return of Herds • Creation of Plants
Festival celebrating the creation of plants. Traditional return of herds from pastures.
Gahambar 4
31
Dec
Maidyarem
Mid-Winter • Creation of Animals
Mid-winter festival celebrating the creation of animals. Period of rest and reflection.
Gahambar 5
16
Mar
Hamaspathmaidyem
Pre-Nowruz • Creation of Humanity
Most solemn gahambar celebrating the creation of humanity. The Fravashis return to earth; leads directly into Nowruz.
Gahambar 6

Remembrance

10
Days
Fravardigan (Muktad)
All Souls Days
The 10-day period before Nowruz when the Fravashis (guardian spirits) of the deceased visit earth. Prayers and offerings are made for ancestors.
Ancestor Remembrance
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