"The Majlis and thereby the government and religious authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran have finally approved and have incorporated the auspicious birthday of Asho Zarathushtra amongst the annual national bank holidays,” confirmed Mobed Mehraban Firouzgary in response to clarifications sought by Parsiana. He gave credit to the "persistent efforts of our democratically elected member of parliament Dr Esfandiar Ekhtiyari” for this development that has caused an "overwhelming rejoicing” within the community.
Celebration of Zaad Rooz e Zarathushtra in Iran in earlier years
Annually Zaad Rooz e (birthday of) Zarathushtra is celebrated by the community in Iran on March 26, the sixth day of the Zoroastrian calendar (mah Fravardin, roz Khordad) after the onset of Novrooz or New Year on March 21. "It is for the first time for the last several centuries that this day has been recorded as a national celebratory day in the Iranian calendar,” mentioned the senior priest appreciating that "henceforth every Iranian will formally have added opportunities to get acquainted with the teachings and insights of Asho Zarathushtra. This step forward is highly significant.”
Traditionally, all pre-Novrooz greetings make a mention of this auspicious day. A festive get-together marks the celebratory event that starts with prayers, a welcome and speeches by community leaders. Specific reference is made to the lines Ushtano zato athrava yo spitamo Zarathushtro from the Fravardin Yasht that indicate all nature rejoices at the birth of Zarathushtra, an athravan and savior. Mention is also made of Ferdowsi Toosi and other epic poets of Iran who have alluded to the birth of Zarathushtra and the Zarathushti culture in their literary works, Firouzgary summarized the highlights of the day. This year, high ranking government and state authorities will be invited to join in the celebrations where they can personally convey their greetings. A cultural program and refreshments are included in the festivities.
The seasonally accurate Fasli calendar that observes the onset of spring in the appropriate month of March and celebrates the other gahanbars at suitable times "ought to be considered as the logical calendar by the Zarathushti community,” stressed Firouzgary.