Festival of Oshidar or Ukhshyat-ereta, the first Zoroastrian savior, at Lake Hamun and Kuh-e Khwaja. According to tradition, Zoroaster's seed is preserved in Lake Hamun, and Oshidar will be born from a virgin who swims there.
Origin
Zoroastrian tradition - Three Saoshyants
Historical Context
The name "Oshidar" means "developer of righteousness." This belief profoundly influenced Abrahamic religions, and concepts of the Messiah and Mahdi were inspired by it.
Fun Facts
Zoroastrian belief holds that three saviors (Saoshyants) will come: Oshidar (1000 years after Zoroaster), Oshidarmah (2000 years), and Saoshyans (3000 years) who will bring about the resurrection. Kuh-e Khwaja in Sistan is the sacred site of this belief.
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.