Esfandgan or Sepandarmazgan adapted to the current Solar Hijri calendar. This date (Bahman 29) is the approximate equivalent of the original festival date (5th of Zoroastrian Esfand), used for alignment with the official Iranian calendar.
Origin
Zoroastrian - Adapted to Solar Hijri calendar
Historical Context
In recent decades, some organizations promoted Bahman 29 as 'Iranian Day of Love' as an alternative to Western Valentine's Day. This date was chosen based on approximate calculations, but the authentic historical date is Esfand 5 (the Spandarmad day-month name coincidence), which Zoroastrians still observe.
Traditions
Giving gifts to spouse and mother
Honoring women and earth
Celebrating mothers' role
Iranian alternative to Valentine
Fun Facts
Why two dates? In the original Zoroastrian calendar, each month had 30 days with named days. Sepandarmazgan was on the 5th day (Spandarmad-day) of the 12th month (Spandarmad-month). But the current Solar calendar has a different structure, so Bahman 29 was proposed as an approximate equivalent. The original festival remains on Esfand 5.
Related Events
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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.