Mehregan Commemorated by Zoroastrians in Iran
October 4, 1998 - 0:0
TEHRAN A traditional happy and delightful festival called Mehregan was celebrated by Iranian Zoroastrians on Friday. Mehregan is the second most important occasion celebrated by Zoroastrians after Eid-e Norouz, or New Year that is observed by all Iranians as a national festival falling on March 21 every year. Majlis Deputy, representing Zoroastrian community in the Iranian legislative body, Parviz Ravani, felicitating Mehregan recommended the people to be happy and delighted.
Ravani said happiness is one of the vital sources for a healthy life that is meant to serve the mankind. We are a part and parcel of the Iranian society, Ravani said, adding that it is our duty to follow our religion and maintain unity as an entity of the Iranian nation. Zoroastrian Grand Moobed or the priest Rostam Shahzadi also addressing the audiences said Iranian officials are trying to make Iran economically strong and for that tourism has its own crucial role.
When we talk about tourism, said the priest," ancient culture and civilization automatically come into our perception." Fortunately, Iran is rich in its ancient culture and civilization and there is every reason that these factors should be explored to attract tourists in our country, Shahzadi said. Speaking on the old history of Mehregan since the Aryan era, he underlined reviving religious rituals and ceremonies.
Mehregan, the feast of victory of Iranian King, Fereydoun over Zahhak, was simultaneously celebrated in Iranian cities of Karaj, Yazd, Kerman, Shiraz, Ahwaz, Isfahan, Zahedan and Tehran. According to ancient Iranian calender, Mehregan, was the celebration day of coincidence of the name of the 16th day of month naming Mehr, with the name of seventh month (Mehr). Today Mehregan is celebrated at the 10th day of seventh Iranian month which was considered the beginning of Great Winter. Mehr is the angle of pledge, promise, love and happiness.
Celebration of Mehregan lasted for six days in ancient Iran. During the festivity, Zoroastrian families decorate tables at home with fruits such as sweet melon, water melon, apple, pear and grape, arranged in a special fashion. About 120,000 Zoroastrians are living in Iran.
Ravani said happiness is one of the vital sources for a healthy life that is meant to serve the mankind. We are a part and parcel of the Iranian society, Ravani said, adding that it is our duty to follow our religion and maintain unity as an entity of the Iranian nation. Zoroastrian Grand Moobed or the priest Rostam Shahzadi also addressing the audiences said Iranian officials are trying to make Iran economically strong and for that tourism has its own crucial role.
When we talk about tourism, said the priest," ancient culture and civilization automatically come into our perception." Fortunately, Iran is rich in its ancient culture and civilization and there is every reason that these factors should be explored to attract tourists in our country, Shahzadi said. Speaking on the old history of Mehregan since the Aryan era, he underlined reviving religious rituals and ceremonies.
Mehregan, the feast of victory of Iranian King, Fereydoun over Zahhak, was simultaneously celebrated in Iranian cities of Karaj, Yazd, Kerman, Shiraz, Ahwaz, Isfahan, Zahedan and Tehran. According to ancient Iranian calender, Mehregan, was the celebration day of coincidence of the name of the 16th day of month naming Mehr, with the name of seventh month (Mehr). Today Mehregan is celebrated at the 10th day of seventh Iranian month which was considered the beginning of Great Winter. Mehr is the angle of pledge, promise, love and happiness.
Celebration of Mehregan lasted for six days in ancient Iran. During the festivity, Zoroastrian families decorate tables at home with fruits such as sweet melon, water melon, apple, pear and grape, arranged in a special fashion. About 120,000 Zoroastrians are living in Iran.