SAEDNEWS: Shahrivargan: One of Ancient Iran’s Most Beautiful Celebrations, Marking the Death of Prophet Mani, the Birth of Cyrus the Great, and Iranian Father’s Day
Shahriourgan is one of the twelve ancient Iranian festivals and a fire celebration from pre-Islamic Iran. This venerable national ritual lost much of its prominence after the Arab conquest, and today it is observed by only a few Zoroastrians in Kerman, albeit in a limited form. Fortunately, in recent years, other Zoroastrians in Iran have also sought to preserve it. Historically, the people of Iran celebrated this day for various occasions, honoring it with joy and communal festivities.
Shahriourgan ranks among the most beautiful of the twelve annual festivals in ancient Iran and is known as a fire festival, sometimes called “Azar Jashn.” The name derives from “Shahriour,” the fourth day of the month of Shahriour in the Zoroastrian calendar, and the sixth month of the year. Shahriour is one of the six Amesha Spentas—divine beings—and is recognized as the protector of metals, a symbol of divine power, and the angel of kindness and chivalry.
On this day, ancient Iranians would light fires in their homes, offer prayers and praise to Ahura Mazda, and gather together to enjoy food and celebration. The festival also had a charitable aspect, reflecting the virtues of Shahriour: people would feed the poor, visit just kings—representatives of heavenly rule—and offer congratulations and blessings.
In ancient Iran, various occasions were observed on the fourth day of Shahriour month. Some sources identify Shahriourgan as the birthday of Darab, and due to similarities between Darab’s character in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and Cyrus the Great, some historians suggest that Cyrus himself may be associated with this day. Thus, Shahriourgan is sometimes seen as the ancient Iranian Father’s Day, celebrating paternal honor.
This day also coincides with the death of Mani, the Iranian prophet of peace, whom Zoroastrians commemorate as uniting with Ahura Mazda. For farmers, Shahriourgan marked the thanksgiving for the harvest and preparation of the land for autumn planting, celebrated with music, dancing, and prayers to Ahura Mazda.
Unlike other fire festivals, such as Chaharshanbe Suri or Sadeh, which were more nationalistic, Shahriourgan had a distinctly religious character. Over time, many traditions faded, and after the Arab conquest, the festival was largely abandoned. In ancient times, special flowers—such as the red “Nazbu” flower, symbolizing fire—were used to decorate homes and fire temples during the celebration.
In the Avesta, Shahriour is mentioned as “Khshathra-Vairya,” later rendered as Shatrivar in Pahlavi and Shahriour in modern Persian, meaning “powerful dominion.” “Khshathra” refers to kingdom or rule, while “Vairya” means “desirable” or “wished for,” collectively interpreted as “the ideal kingdom” or “heavenly dominion.”
Among the six Amesha Spentas, Shahriour ranks second after Bahman. Each Amesha Spenta has both a spiritual and material aspect; Shahriour spiritually represents absolute divine power and dominion, and materially serves as the guardian of metals, weapons, and tools. Thus, the festival day bears the angelic name Shahriour, symbolizing justice, protection of the needy, and support for righteous kings.
Today, Shahriourgan is celebrated on the fourth day of Shahriour month. Traditional customs include lighting fires in the evening, singing, dancing, and offering prayers of gratitude. Families host gatherings with various delicious foods, though after centuries, many of the twelve ancient festivals have largely been forgotten. Only a few families in central Iranian cities, such as Yazd, Kerman, and Isfahan, continue to observe Shahriourgan.
Zoroastrianism emphasizes joy and positive thinking, discouraging mourning, which is seen as harmful to human life. Accordingly, Zoroastrians do not mourn deceased loved ones, believing their souls ascend to a higher plane without ritual lamentation.
Shahriourgan, one of Iran’s oldest festivals, is now a rare cultural observance. In ancient times, each day and month had a unique name, and when a day and month shared the same name, it was considered auspicious. Seasonal changes also influenced the timing of celebrations. As summer ended and the weather cooled, Iranians lit fires, marking the transition and expressing gratitude for the harvest. Thus, the festival remains a vibrant symbol of ancient Iranian culture, blending devotion, communal celebration, and the rhythms of nature.
