Celebration of the victory of Kaveh the Blacksmith and Fereydoun over the tyrant Zahhak. On this day, Kaveh placed his leather blacksmith's apron on a spear, creating the Kaviani Banner. People rallied around him and chose Fereydoun as king.
Origin
Ferdowsi's Shahnameh; Iranian mythology
Historical Context
The story of Kaveh and Fereydoun is one of the oldest Iranian myths, recorded by Ferdowsi in the Shahnameh. Kaveh the Blacksmith symbolizes people's resistance against tyranny. After victory, Fereydoun imprisoned Zahhak in Mount Damavand. This story is linked to Mehregan, which some consider the beginning of Fereydoun's reign.
Traditions
Reading Shahnameh: Reciting the story of Kaveh and Fereydoun
Honoring Freedom: Remembering resistance against tyranny
Connection to Mehregan: This day falls near the Mehregan festival
Fun Facts
The Kaviani Banner became Iran's national flag after this victory and remained Iran's symbol until the end of the Sassanid era. According to Shahnameh, Zahhak ruled Iran for a thousand years and fed the brains of two young men daily to the snakes on his shoulders. Kaveh had eighteen sons, seventeen of whom were sacrificed to Zahhak.
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.