Dey-be-Azar, the second Digan festival in Dey month. "Dey" means Creator (Ahura Mazda) and "Azar" means fire. This day honors the connection between the Creator and sacred fire.
Origin
One of the four Digan festivals - Zoroastrian calendar
Historical Context
In the Zoroastrian calendar, when a day name matches the month name, that day becomes a festival. Al-Biruni recorded that on these days, people rested from work and engaged in prayer and celebration.
Traditions
Gathering for worship of Ahura Mazda
Fire ceremonies (honoring the connection to Azar)
Wearing clean, fresh clothes
Acts of charity and giving
Fun Facts
Dey is the only month with four days named after the Creator (Ahura Mazda): 1st (Hormozd), 8th (Dey-be-Azar), 15th (Dey-be-Mehr), and 23rd (Dey-be-Din). These days were called "Parab" meaning holy days.
Related Events
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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.