Name-day feast when Ordibehesht day (3rd) meets Ordibehesht month. Celebrates Asha Vahishta ("Best Truth"), the Amesha Spenta guardian of fire, righteousness, and cosmic order.
Origin
Zoroastrian; celebration of Asha (truth) and purity
Historical Context
Ordibeheshtgan celebrates Ordibehesht Amesha Spenta, observed on the 3rd of Ordibehesht. In the ancient calendar, each month had 30 days with specific names; the 3rd day of each month was named Ordibehesht. The Ordibehesht Yasht in the Avesta is a prayer teaching Zoroastrians to follow the path of righteousness.
Traditions
Visiting Fire Temples: Zoroastrians go to fire temples and kindle fire
Reciting Ordibehesht Yasht: A prayer teaching the path of righteousness
Wearing White: Symbol of purity and truth
Bringing Flowers: Decorating fire temples with spring flowers
Offerings: Bringing fragrant wood for the sacred fire
Fun Facts
Ordibehesht means 'Best Truth' (from Avestan Asha Vahishta). Fire represents Asha because it reveals things and has purifying power. Ordibehesht month marks peak spring bloom in Iran, connecting this festival with 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.