Name-day feast celebrating Khordad (Haurvatat - Wholeness/Perfection) and water. Khordad is the Amesha Spenta guardian of water and health.
Origin
Zoroastrian; gratitude for water resources and health
Historical Context
Khordadgan is celebrated on the 6th of Khordad month, when Khordad day coincides with Khordad month. The Khordad Yasht in the Avesta is dedicated to this Amesha Spenta. Water in Zoroastrianism is one of the four sacred elements (water, fire, earth, air), and its purity is highly important.
Traditions
Visiting Springs: Going to springs and flowing waters
Water Prayers: Reciting Aban Yasht and Khordad Yasht
Keeping Water Pure: Emphasis on not polluting water
Thanksgiving: Gratitude for the blessing of water and health
Fun Facts
Khordad comes from Avestan 'Haurvatat' meaning wholeness and perfection. This Amesha Spenta, together with Amordad (immortality), forms a complementary pair. On this day, Zoroastrians visit springs and rivers to give thanks for the blessing of water.
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.