Iranian Cultural Heritage

Persian Celebrations

Three thousand years of festivals rooted in Zoroastrian cosmology, the turning of seasons, and the enduring soul of Persian civilisation.

Farvardin · March 21 – April 20

AncientFarvardin 1

Nowruz

نوروز

The Persian New Year, celebrated at the exact moment of the spring equinox. Over 3,000 years old and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

AncientFarvardin 13

Sizdah Bedar

سیزده بدر

Nature Day — on the 13th of the New Year, Iranians leave their homes for the outdoors. The number 13 is lucky in the open air.

Ordibehesht · April 21 – May 21

AncientOrdibehesht 3

Ordibehesht Festival

جشن اردیبهشت

Ancient celebration of Asha — truth and cosmic order. Named for Asha Vahishta, the Zoroastrian spirit of righteousness.

Khordad · May 22 – June 21

AncientKhordad 6

Khordadegan

جشن خرداد

Celebration of Khordad — Haurvatāt, the spirit of wholeness and perfection. A day of reflection on integrity and completeness.

Tir · June 22 – July 22

AncientTir 1

Temuz — Summer Solstice

جشن تموز

Ancient summer solstice celebration still observed in South Khorasan, Iran. Temuz marks the peak of the sun's power — fire rituals, communal feasts, and gratitude for the harvest season.

AncientTir 13

Tiregan — Water Festival

جشن تیرگان

One of the most joyful ancient Persian festivals — water is splashed, wishes are made. Celebrates rain and the star Tishtrya who brings water to the earth.

Mordad · July 23 – August 22

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Amordadegan

جشن امرداد

Celebration of Ameretat — immortality and the spirit of plants and trees. A day to honour nature and the gift of life.

Shahrivar · August 23 – September 22

AncientShahrivar 4

Shahrivar Festival

جشن شهریور

Celebration of Shahrivar — Kshathra Vairya, the spirit of desirable dominion. Honours the power of righteous authority.

Mehr · September 23 – October 22

AncientMehr 10

Mehregan

مهرگان

One of the oldest Persian festivals — the Persian Thanksgiving. Celebrates Mithra, the god of friendship, light, and covenant.

Aban · October 23 – November 21

AncientAban 10

Abanegan — Water Celebration

جشن آبانگان

Ancient celebration of water — Aban, the spirit of water. Iranians visit rivers, springs, and seas to honour this sacred element.

Azar · November 22 – December 21

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Azargan — Fire Festival

جشن آذرگان

Festival of fire and light as winter approaches. Named for Azar — the Zoroastrian spirit of fire.

AncientAzar 30

Yalda Night

شب یلدا

The longest night of the year — winter solstice. Families gather to read poetry, eat pomegranates and watermelon, and drive away the darkness together.

Dey · December 22 – January 20

AncientDey 1

Dayegan

جشن دیگان

Celebration of Dey — Dadvah, the Creator. A celebration of cosmic creation and the spirit of the divine.

Bahman · January 21 – February 19

AncientBahman 2

Bahman Festival

جشن بهمن

Ancient festival of Bahman — Vohu Manah, the spirit of Good Mind. A day for reflection, wisdom, and care for animals.

AncientBahman 10

Sadeh

جشن سده

One of the grandest ancient Persian celebrations. Lit bonfires at nightfall mark 50 days before Nowruz. The word Sadeh means hundred — 100 days and nights from winter's cold.

Esfand · February 20 – March 20

AncientEsfand 5

Esfandegan — Love Day

جشن اسفندگان

The ancient Persian celebration of love and the Earth — predating Valentine's Day by millennia. Spenta Armaiti, the spirit of love and the earth, is honoured.

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Chaharshanbe Suri

چهارشنبه‌سوری

The last Wednesday before Nowruz — Fire Wednesday. Bonfires are lit and people jump over the flames, exchanging illness for warmth and the promise of spring.