Name-day feast when Farvardin day meets Farvardin month. Honors the Fravashis (guardian spirits of the deceased). Zoroastrians visit cemeteries and recite Avesta.
Origin
Zoroastrian; celebration of day-month name coincidence in Farvardin
Historical Context
Farvardigan is celebrated on the 19th of Farvardin when Farvardin day coincides with Farvardin month. The Farvardin Yasht (Yasht 13) with 158 stanzas is the longest Yasht in the Avesta. This festival differs from Frawardigan (Muktad), the ten-day period at the year's end when souls of the departed return to visit their families, who welcome them by lighting lamps and preparing consecrated food.
Traditions
Cemetery Visits: Families go to burial grounds
Burning Agarwood and Frankincense: For peace of departed souls
Placing Flowers, Fruits and Candles: On graves of loved ones
Reciting Farvardin Yasht: Priests recite from the Avesta
Wearing White: Symbol of purity and respect
Fun Facts
Fravashi (فروهر) means 'guardian' or 'promoter.' In Zoroastrian belief, each person has a Fravashi before birth that persists after death. On this day, the Fravashis of the departed return to earth, and families welcome them with prayers and flowers.
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.