Water festival on Aban 10, dedicated to Anahita (Aredvi Sura Anahita), the divinity of water and fertility. People would gather near rivers and springs.
Origin
Zoroastrian; celebration of day-month name coincidence in Aban
Historical Context
Abanagan is celebrated on the 10th of Aban month. The Aban Yasht in the Avesta is dedicated to praising Anahita. This is one of the most important water festivals in ancient Iran. People would visit rivers, springs, and lakes to pray. Water in Iranian culture symbolizes purity and life.
Traditions
Visiting Waters: Going to rivers and springs
Water Prayers: Reciting Aban Yasht
Offering Flowers: Throwing flowers into water
Keeping Water Pure: Emphasis on not polluting water sources
Celebration: Holding ceremonies by the water
Symbols & Meanings
Water: Symbol of purity and life
Lotus Flower: Symbol of Anahita
River: Symbol of the flow of life
Spring: Symbol of the source of purity
Fun Facts
Anahita (Aredvi Sura Anahita) means 'the pure and mighty lady.' She is the divinity of waters, fertility, and springs. During the Achaemenid and Sassanid eras, great temples were built for Anahita. The Anahita temples in Bishapur and Kangavar are among the most famous.
Related Events
Nowruz
Nowruz, the world's oldest celebration, marks the Persian New Year and the spring equinox. This festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over death. Celebrated continuously for over 3,000 years since the Achaemenid era, Nowruz is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities. Its rituals—including Haft-Seen (and its predecessor Haft-Shin), Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, spring cleaning, and family visits—all symbolize renewal of nature and the human spirit.
Nowruz-e Bozorg (Great Nowruz)
The Great Nowruz (Khordad Sal) falls on the 6th of Farvardin (Khordad day). In Zoroastrian tradition, this is the birthday of Zoroaster and the spiritual peak of Nowruz. Sassanid kings held public audiences on this day.
Sizdah Bedar
Nature Day marking the end of Nowruz holidays. Families picnic outdoors, tie sabzeh (greens), and enjoy communal games.
Rapithwin Festival
Rapithwin festival on the 3rd of Farvardin celebrates the return of warmth and light after winter. Rapithwin is the Yazata of noon and summer warmth who retreats underground during winter and returns with spring.