Âzargân Celebration

(Farsi Level: C1)

In ancient Iran, each day of the month had its unique name, just as each of the twelve months of the year did. When the name of a day aligned with the name of a month, it was a reason for celebration, leading to what is known as the Twelve Festivals. One of these significant celebrations is Âzargân, which occurs on the ninth day of Âzar. This day, Âzar Day in the old calendar holds value in Iranian culture and Zoroastrian tradition.

The name of this festival refers to Âzar, meaning fire in the Pahlavi language (Middle Persian), and the celebration honors the deity of Âzar, or fire, which was considered a sacred force in ancient Iranian beliefs. Even today, this festival is still celebrated in some cities in Iran. Join FarsiMonde to explore the Âzargân Festival and its meaning.

Âzargân Festival: The Sanctity of Fire in Iranian Culture

In ancient Iranian culture, fire symbolizes purity, truth, and love. It is distinct among the elements, as it does not accept any impurity. While it consumes itself, it also provides warmth and light to those around it. As a result, in Persian metaphors, love is often compared to fire.
On this particular day, ancient Iranians would gather to celebrate by lighting fires, sharing moments, and reciting prayers to express gratitude and seek blessings. This tradition honored the energy and warmth of life, highlighting the deep bond between humanity and nature.

The Deity of Âzargân

In ancient Iranian beliefs, the Âzargân Festival was associated with a superior deity known as Âzar. This figure held a significant place in Zoroastrianism and ancient Iranian culture. As the guardian of fire, Âzar was one of the important deities in the Zoroastrian faith, revered as the protector of purity, light, and the life-giving essence of fire. In ancient Iranian and Zoroastrian traditions, Âzar was highly respected as the divine guardian of fire and symbolized sacred, untainted power on earth.

In ancient tales, Âzar is described as a shining and radiant figure made of fire, surrounded by an aura of light and heat. Besides purity, Âzar symbolizes truth, justice, and righteousness, dispelling lies and falsehoods. Similarly, Âzar was seen as a protector of humans and an ally of Ahurâ Mazdâ, always safeguarding humanity from the forces of darkness and evil.

Main Rituals of the Âzargân Festival

The Âzargân Festival is still celebrated among Zoroastrians and is respected by Muslim Iranians. Zoroaster instructed in the Zoroastrian religion that on Âzargân Day, everyone should visit fire temples for prayer and worship. Fire temples, though simple in design, were built with skilled architecture and remain historical attractions in Iran. Some, like the Bahram Fire Temple, Âmol Fire Temple, and Âzarakhš Fire Temple, are still open for visits.

During the Âzargân Festival, people unite at fire temples to light fires and celebrate with their families and friends. They make offerings to the fire, which, according to Zoroastrian traditions, include flowers, Espand (wild rue), incense, sandalwood, and aromatic woods. Zoroastrian priests, known as Mobed, recite prayers from the Avestâ, the sacred texts of their faith, while everyone participates in the worship, creating a meaningful and communal atmosphere. On this day, the Âtaš Niyâyeš (Fire Prayer), the fifth prayer from the Xordeh Avestâ, is commonly recited:

“Remain luminous in this house, remain luminous in this house for a long time, until the great renewal, until the great and good renewal. Grant me, O Fire, created by Ahura Mazda, great comfort, abundant sustenance, complete piety, eloquence, and knowledge of the faith. And thereupon, great, enduring wisdom, trustworthy, manly courage, awareness, dutifulness, and alertness. Grant me, virtuous children who are intelligent, protectors of the land, leaders of gatherings, flourishing, righteous, liberators from hardships, and wise, who will bring progress to my household, my village, my city, my country, and the glory of my homeland.”

Participants welcome the onset of winter in their quest for inner and outer illumination. Following the celebration, many attendees gather a piece of the sacred fire to take home, kindling their household hearths with this blessed flame. Iranians continue to honor the celebration of Âzargân as a representation of their culture’s enduring values in modern life.

We hope this text has given insight into the vibrant traditions of Iranian culture. At Farsimonde, one of our principal goals is to introduce you to the captivating Persian language and the rich customs of Iran. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact our passionate Persian teachers!