Day honoring Sraosha (Soroush), the Yazata of conscience and messenger of Ahura Mazda. Sraosha guards souls at night and is one of three judges at the Chinvat Bridge, uniquely accompanying souls on their journey to the afterlife.
Origin
Zoroastrian; the 17th day of each month is dedicated to Sraosha
Historical Context
Sraosha is one of the most important Yazatas in Zoroastrianism. Two Yashts in the Avesta are dedicated to him: Yasna 56-57 and Yasht 11. Along with Mithra (Covenant) and Rashnu (Justice), Sraosha is one of three judges at the Chinvat Bridge, but he alone accompanies the soul across. No Zoroastrian ritual is considered complete without his presence.
Traditions
Sraosha Prayers: Reciting Sraosha Yasht in fire temples
Night Vigil: Honoring Sraosha's role as guardian of the night
Respecting the Rooster: The rooster symbolizes Sraosha and vigilance
Fun Facts
Sraosha comes from Avestan meaning "hearing" and "obedience." The white rooster (Parodarsh, "one who sees forward") is his sacred animal, whose crowing breaks darkness and banishes night demons. In Zoroastrian art, Sraosha is sometimes depicted as a hybrid figure with a rooster's body and a priest's head.
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.