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About the Holidays Pages

Holidays and Festivals Around the World

Zoroastrian

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions It was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago.

For 1000 years Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions in the world. It was the official religion of Persia (Iran) from 600 BCE to 650 CE.

It is now one of the world's smallest religions with around a quarter of a million followers worldwide. There are 4000 Zoroastrians living in Britain.

  • Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.
  • Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom.
  • Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the prophet, Zoroaster.
  • Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.
  • Zoroastrians worship communally in a Fire Temple or Agiary.
  • The Zoroastrian book of Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta.
  • The Avesta can be roughly split into two main sections:
    • The Avesta is the oldest and core part of the scriptures, which contains the Gathas. The Gathas are seventeen hymns thought to be composed by Zoroaster himself.
    • The Younger Avesta - commentaries to the older Avestan written in later years. It also contains myths, stories and details of ritual observances.
  • Zoroastrians are roughly split into two groups:
    • The Iranians
    • The Parsis


Date in 2007


Holiday


Description of Holiday
March 16 - 20 Gahnambar Hamaspathmaedem  
March 21 Now Ruz  
March 26 Birth of Prophet Zarathustra  
April 30 - May 4 Gahambar Maidyozarem  
June 29 - July 3 Gahambar Maidyoshem  
August 13 Fravardeghan

lasts ten days in preparation for Now Ruz for those who follow the Shenshai calendar. Ancestors are memorialized during this time.

August 23 Now Ruz - New Year

The New Year according to the Shenshai Zoroastrian Calendar.
September 12 - 16 Gahambar Paitishahem

This day celebrates the creation of the earth.
October 12-16 Gahambar Ayathrem This day celebrates the creation of plant life.
December 26 Death of Prophet Zarathustra

This day marks the death of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith.
  *Holidays in bold are the most important holidays.

Last Updated: 30-Oct-2007

Michigan Technological University is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and culture where voices and people from all ethnicities, religions, races, cultures and ages are valued and respected. As a special University initiative, the information about “Holidays and Festivals Around the World” is researched, collated and presented in this web link. We understand that the material may not be inclusive of all holidays and festivals and there may be many information updates, enhancements and corrections needed for this link. IPS welcomes contributions from community members to enhance our understanding and knowledge of global diversity. Community members can send additional information or any corrections or updates to ips@mtu.edu.