Esfandgan or Sepandarmazgan Festival

(Farsi Level: C1)

In ancient Iran, each day of the month had a specific name, just as the twelve months of the year carried unique titles, much like we have today. Whenever the name of a day coincided with the name of the month, it marked the occasion for a festive celebration. These events were collectively known as the Twelve Festivals, honoring the alignment of time and nature.
The Esfandgan (Esfandgân) festival is one of the oldest of Iran’s twelve traditional celebrations, deeply rooted in Zoroastrian culture and beliefs. According to the ancient calendar, it occurs on the fifth day of the month of Esfand, while in the solar calendar, people celebrate it on the 29th of Bahman.
In Persian, Sepandarmaz (Sepandârmaz) refers to Esfand, and as a result, the Esfand festival is also known as Sepandarmazgan (Sepandârmazgân) This celebration honors Sepandarmaz. Sepandarmaz is one of the most significant Amesha Spenta in Zoroastrianism, a character of humility, fertility, loyalty, affection, and love. On this day, Zoroastrians highlight the importance of intellect, morality, and wisdom through a distinctive celebration that features a special ceremony. Join Farsimonde in this article to discover more about Esfandgan, also known as Sepandarmazgan.

Celebration of Women’s Day in Sepandarmazgan

In Zoroastrianism, Sepandarmaz is an angel who protects the earth. Since the Earth embodies the essence of fertility and abundance in human life, Sepandarmaz is often indicated by the Earth’s shield. Sepandarmaz represents love, affection, and sacrifice, evoking the enduring qualities of mothers and women. As a result, on this special day, men express their appreciation by giving gifts to their wives and attempting to fulfill their desires. On this day, individuals turn to Sepandarmaz for blessings related to love, peace, and the protection of the earth along with its natural environment.

It is a day dedicated to honoring women and the planet, emphasizing the importance of caring for nature, our homes, families, and the connections between individuals. This occasion serves as a reminder to nurture and protect the relationships that enrich our lives.

The goddess Sepandarmaz

In Zoroastrianism, Sepandarmaz is the guardian of the earth and its lushness within the physical realm. Meanwhile, in the Minoan world, she symbolizes love and the moderation associated with Ahura Mazda. The symbols of this day include flowers, especially spring flowers and green and natural colors. During this festive celebration, people adorn homes and temples with flowers, while the green color holds a special significance, symbolizing life and vibrancy in the festivities of Esfandgan. According to the Zoroastrian tradition, Ahura chose the Persian willow (Bīdmeshk) as the earthly symbol of Spandarmaz. Additionally, Ahura has assigned Sepandarmaz the responsibility of nurturing the creatures and extending the pastures.

The Customs of Esfandgan Celebration

In Zoroastrianism, Sepandarmaz is the guardian of the earth and its lushness within the physical realm. Meanwhile, in the Minoan world, she symbolizes love and the moderation associated with Ahura Mazda. The symbols of this day include flowers, especially spring flowers and green and natural colors. During this festive celebration, people adorn homes and temples with flowers, while the green color holds a special significance, symbolizing life and vibrancy in the festivities of Esfandgan. According to the Zoroastrian tradition, Ahura chose the Persian willow (Bīdmeshk) as the earthly symbol of Spandarmaz. Additionally, Ahura has assigned Sepandarmaz the responsibility of nurturing the creatures and extending the pastures.

“We love men and women. We praise this land with the women who live on it. O Ahura Mazda, we praise the women who have excelled due to honesty and truth. We praise benevolent men and women who rise against evil in every country with a right conscience. We love the lady of the house, the Eshu, and Eshu’s leader. We praise the righteous woman, who is most pure in thought, noble in speech, virtuous in stunt, and full of wisdom. O Ahura Mazda, we venerate the one who brings aid …”

This day bursts with color as vibrant spring flowers and fresh greens adorn homes across different regions of Iran. Tables brim with fruits and sweets, beautifully laid out in front of everyone. Traditionally, people believed that engaging with the land—by tending to gardens and watering trees—on this day would ensure that the soil would be fertile and fruitful. The celebration of Esfandgan shows our attention to the earth and nature.
During this event, people also hold a prayer ceremony. They pray for more blessings and ask Sepandarmaz to help keep the world full of love, peace, and greenery.

Espandarmaz in the history of Iranian mythology

In the legendary history of Iran, it is said that during Manouchehr’s 120-year reign, Afrasiab exerted his influence over IranShahr for an impressive 12 years. With guidance from Spandarmaz, the earth deity, Arash Kamangir drew his bow to its maximum tension and released an arrow that marked the exact midpoint between Iran and Turan. This text, detailed in the Pahlavi books, is further developed in Islamic-era sources that trace their origins back to the KhodayNameh, the Pahlavi manuscript. For additional investigation of this subject, refer to Ahmad Tafzali’s book (1367: 198).
Ferdowsi also mentions the Espandarmaz in Shahnameh and notes the names of some of the Amshaspandan in the story of Bijan and Manijeh when Rostam goes to the King of Kiani, Khosro, and praises him.

The Message of Esfandgan Celebration: Strengthening the Human and Social Relationship

Esfandgan festival is an opportunity to remember the importance of family, love, peace, and social solidarity. In the modern era, the Esfandgan festival, especially among Zoroastrian Iranians, remains noteworthy, and in some parts of Iran, people celebrate its ceremony. This day is also known as the day of women and love among other Iranians and is celebrated informally by families.

In General, the Esfandgan festival is a religious celebration that highlights the vital role of women in society and raises awareness about protecting the environment. This festival, with its symbols—including Spandarmaz, the angel of earth, and love—highlights how essential human connections are and emphasizes the need to respect nature.

One of our main goals at FarsiMonde is to familiarize you with the Persian language and Iranian culture as much as possible, so if you have any questions or suggestions, be sure to contact our Persian teachers.