What Day is the Festival of Âbânegân?

(Farsi Level: C1)

In ancient Iran, each month and day had a distinct name. When the name of a day coincided with that of the month, it initiated celebrations known as the Monthly Festivals. One such celebration, Âbânegân, takes place on the tenth day of Aban, the second month of fall when both the day and the month bear the name Âbân (Aban) . In some cities of Iran, people still celebrate Âbânegân (Abangan). Stay with Farsimond to learn more about the Âbânegân festival and its concept.

The Âbânegân Festival: Honoring the Sacredness of Water in Iranian Culture

In ancient Iran, the four elements—water, fire, earth, and air—were revered as fundamental and sacred building blocks of life. They celebrated water as the essence of life and a divine element during the Âbânegân festival. For the ancient Iranians, water was the second significant element after fire. Water was regarded as a source of purity and a cleansing force for all. They recognized it as essential for nurturing all life forms in nature. On this unique day, communities would gather by rivers and streams, celebrating the vital role of water and taking time to reflect on the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.

Ânâhitâ: The Goddess of Water in the Âbânegân Festival

Âbânegân, like many other ancient Iranian festivals, is rooted in Iranian mythology. In ancient Iran, people revered divinities, each symbolizing different elements of nature. One of these divinities was Ânâhitâ (Anahita), the goddess of water, to whom the Âbânegân festival is dedicated. Ânâhitâ was a significant figure in ancient Iranian mythology, representing key themes such as water, love, and fertility. She also symbolized purity and the essence of life. Her role highlights the deep religious and cultural traditions of ancient Iran.

To celebrate Âbângân, people would pray at the shrine of Ahurâ Mazdâ, the Great God, and to Ânâhitâ, seeking abundance and preservation of water. Ânâhitâ is a powerful goddess depicted in myths as possessing a chariot drawn by four white horses, symbolizing clouds, rain, snow, and hail, and residing in the highest heavens. She circles above lakes, rivers, seas, and springs, protecting them and bringing rain, snow, and hail. In mythology, Ânâhitâ is considered the counterpart of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. There are numerous temples in her honor in ancient Iran, of which the ones in Kangâvar, Bishâpur, and Takht-e Soleymân remain. It is one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in Iran. If you ever travel to Iran, do not miss the chance to visit these remarkable sites.

The Main Ceremony of the Âbânegân Festival

The Âbânegân festival is a significant celebration for Zoroastrians and is honored by Muslim Iranians. Zoroastrianism was once the main religion of the Iranian people, with Zoroaster as their respected prophet. Today, Islam is the main religion in Iran, but some old Iranian traditions still influence Islamic culture. The Âbânegân festival is significant in shaping the cultural and historical heritage of the Iranian people.

In ancient times, Zoroastrians would gather near rivers or springs to hold the Âbânegân ceremony. Nowadays, they often come together around large pools, where Mubeds (Zoroastrian high priests responsible for leading religious rituals and preserving sacred traditions) dressed in white lead the congregation in prayer. During these ceremonies, they recite passages from the Avestâ, the holy Zoroastrian text, to honor the purity of water. One part of this text is called Âbânyašt (the Hymn of Waters). It praises and shows respect for water.

Here is an excerpt from that hymn:

“O Ânâhid, benevolent and mighty, grant me the triumph that brings true happiness. Bestow upon us the blessedness that empowers each soul to attain their desires and anything that contributes to a joy-filled life.”

On this day, various treats are prepared to welcome guests. Traditional refreshments typically include tea, sweets, fruits, and Lork. Lork is a mix of seven types of nuts offered in many Zoroastrian ceremonies as a sacred gift shared among people, symbolizing offerings to Faravahar. This tradition even found its way into Islamic customs. A similar mix, âjil-e Moškel-Goša (problem-solving nuts), is served in ceremonies to bring good fortune and blessings. This practice has its roots in ancient Zoroastrian rituals. Iranians decorate their tables with symbols of prosperity and nature, such as wheat, mirrors, and lamps. They also celebrate Âbânegân with lively music and songs specified to this day.

We hope this text has offered valuable insights into Iran’s rich culture and traditions. At FarsiMonde, one of our primary objectives is to connect you with the Persian language and the fascinating aspects of Iranian culture. If you have any questions, contact our Persian teachers.