Day commemorating Zoroaster's first revelation at age 30. By the Daiti river, he saw Vohu Manah (Good Mind) who led him to the presence of Ahura Mazda.
Origin
Zoroastrian tradition; beginning of Zoroaster's prophetic mission
Historical Context
According to Zoroastrian tradition, during a spring festival while drawing water for a Haoma ceremony, Zoroaster saw a radiant being who identified as Vohu Manah (Good Mind). Vohu Manah led him to Ahura Mazda, where Zoroaster received the teachings of the Good Religion. He subsequently had more revelations and saw the seven Amesha Spentas.
Traditions
Reciting the Gathas: Sacred hymns of Zoroaster
Fire Temple Prayers: Honoring the day of revelation
Remembering Teachings: Reflecting on Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds
Fun Facts
Zoroaster received his first revelation at age 30. He had seven visions of the Amesha Spentas and learned the teachings of the Good Religion. The Gathas, sacred hymns of Zoroaster, comprise 17 hymns with 238 stanzas—the oldest part of the Avesta.
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.