Farvardingan Celebration:
Honoring the Pure Fravahars of the Departed

(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 see today. Whenever a day’s name matched the month’s, it sparked a joyful celebration. Known as the Twelve Festivals, these events celebrated the harmony of time and nature. The Farvardingan Celebration is the first of these ancient and monthly Iranian festivals, rooted in the Zoroastrian religion. Farvardingan is observed on the 19th of Farvardin. This day is dedicated to honoring the pure Fravahars, the spirits of our ancestors who have passed away.

On this day, Zoroastrians visit cemeteries to honor and commemorate the pure souls of the deceased, holding special ceremonies. This celebration symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead and pays respect to ancestors.

In this article, we will explore the history, rituals, symbols, and significance of Farvardingan (Farodag). This journey will shed light on this cherished Iranian tradition.

Fravahars in Farvardingan

According to Zoroastrian beliefs, existence splits into two realms: Minoo, the spiritual realm, and Giti, the earthly domain. At the heart of this faith is the Fravahar—also known as Faravashi or Fravarti. Existing before all creation, Fravahars are the virtuous, pure spirits of humans that, after death, leave the body to join Ahura Mazda’s divine realm. Present in both the afterlife and this world, they offer protection and guidance. This essence represents the energy of life and is eternal. Fravahars are not just for good people; everything created, including Ahura Mazda and the beings of Ahriman (the evil force), has a Fravahar. According to Zoroastrian teachings, Ahriman is ignorant and unaware, while Fravahars embody perfect goodness. One day, the spiritual and material worlds will unite, and wisdom will overcome darkness. The Farvardingan Celebration honors the Fravahars, who safeguard humanity and the Earth. For ancient Iranians, Fravahars represented the link between people and their ancestors. On Farvardingan, people pray for those who have passed away and seek their blessings for a thriving life.

Symbols of Farvardingan

During the Farvardingan Celebration, symbols of nature and life take center stage in its rituals. One such symbol is greenery, especially green sprouts placed in homes or doorways. These sprouts are seen as emblems of life, purity, and renewal, a reminder of the reborn souls of those who’ve passed. On the tables set for this special day, you would typically find items such as greenery, water, and light arranged with a photo of the departed

Special Rituals of the Farvardingan Celebration

On Farvardingan, people visit cemeteries to give thanks and honor the Fravahars, praying for their loved ones. One of the traditions is sprinkling dates, rosewater, and special foods over graves. Zoroastrian Mobeds wear white robes and lead group prayers, reciting the Afaringan—a set of blessings for the departed—followed by talks on the philosophies of Nowruz and Farvardingan. Foods like Sirog or Sorouk (a traditional oily bread), soup, garlic, rue, fruits, and Lork (a mix of dried fruits and nuts) fill the tables. In the end, the hosts share Lork and fruits with everyone.

Another custom involves lighting fires in holders near graves, where people place chopped fruits and burn incense. Here, fire symbolizes purity and light, playing a key role in honoring the spirits and their Fravahars.

The Meaning of the Farvardingan Celebration

Farvardingan celebrates the departed and our ancestors, reminding us their souls live in another realm. It’s a chance to reconnect with our roots and honor those who shaped us—a vital piece of Iranian culture. This festival bridges the living and the dead, showing life persists beyond death. By celebrating, people welcome the new year with the comforting guidance of their ancestors’ Fravahars lighting the way. It’s a day to cherish life while learning from the past, linking life and death, light and darkness, and the past with the present.

The Farvardingan celebration is a way to commemorate the ancestors and the departed and carries deep meanings about the connection of humans with pure souls and the Farvashis. This day reminds Iranians that, beyond the present life, they should also respect the past and those who came before them, learning lessons from them. Farvardingan symbolizes the connection between life and death, light and darkness, and past and present.

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