Mitrakana is the Old Persian name for Mehregan. The name is formed from "Mithra" + the suffix "-kana" and evolved into "Mihragan" in Middle Persian and "Mehregan" in Modern Persian.
Origin
Old Persian; ancient name of Mehregan
Historical Context
Mitrakana and Mehregan are the same festival with different names from different linguistic periods. During the Achaemenid era, this festival was grandly celebrated at Persepolis, where Armenians presented 20,000 horses to the king. In the Sassanid era, Mehregan was second only to Nowruz in importance.
Fun Facts
Mithra is the deity of covenant, light, and truth in Iranian tradition. The worship of Mithra spread to the Roman Empire and became popular among soldiers, though Roman practices differed significantly from Persian traditions.
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.