The Festival of Khordadgan
A Celebration of Water and Wholeness

(Farsi Level: C1)

In the ancient Iranian calendar, each day of the month had a specific name linked to a Zoroastrian god or a Holy Immortal, called Amesha Spenta. When the name of a day matched the name of the month, that day was celebrated as a special occasion. One celebration is the Khordadgan Festival, which takes place on the sixth day of the month of Khordad. This day falls on the 4th of Khordad in the solar calendar. The notable text, Burhan-e Qate states that Khordad is the sixth day of each solar month, and on the Khordad day of the month of Khordad—when both names match—Persians hold a festival and call it the Festival of Khordadgan. Join us at Farsimonde as we delve into the various aspects and meanings behind this vibrant celebration.

Amesha Spenta Khordad
Lady Guardian of the Waters

The Khordadgan Festival is deeply rooted in the rich mythological beliefs of ancient Iran. In Iranian mythology, Khordad was a goddess who watched over water, rain, fertility, and the abundance of the land. The ancient Iranians believed that Khordad played a vital role in maintaining the order and balance of the world. In Shahnameh, Ferdowsi refers to this day when he notes that Fereydun considered this day fortunate and marched to battle against Zahhak with a great army.

In the Avesta, Khordad is called Haurvatat. In Middle Persian, also known as Pahlavi, the term is written as Khordāt or Hordāt. This word signifies the concepts of wholeness or perfection. The name has two parts: Haur, which means complete or whole, and tat, which means given or bestowed. So, Haurvatat means bestowed wholeness. In Zoroastrianism, Khordad is one of the six eternal holy beings called Amesha Spentas. People respect these beings for their immortality and divine traits. Each Amesha Spenta represents a different quality of Ahura Mazda.

Khordad is the female Amesha Spenta responsible for protecting the waters and helping people with their thirst. Zoroastrian texts say that the sixth of the spiritual beings is Khordad, who accepted responsibility for the material creation of water. She governs the force of time, overseeing years, months, and days. In the physical realm, she is associated with water.

In Iranian mythology, when the evil spirit Ahriman launches an attack, Khordad, assisted by the Fravahars (guardian spirits), collects water and sends it to the wind. The wind then carries the water to different lands, releasing it as rain through the clouds. This struggle between good and evil was vital to the ancient Iranians, who often faced drought. Khordad works with Tishtrya (the star that brings rain), the wind, and Farvardin so that rain can reach Tir Yazata and defeat the drought demon. In the Gathas and Avesta, Khordad and Amurdad, which mean immortality, often appear together. These two Amesha Spentas guard the waters and the plants, aiding humanity in defeating thirst and hunger.

Symbols of the Khordadgan Festival

In the Bundahishn, the lily flower is the sacred flower of the goddess Khordad. The white lily (Lilium candidum) and the rare Lilium ledebourii, found in northern Iran, are two of the most famous lilies in the country. Khordad is recognized as the protector of water, making symbols associated with this essential element—such as rivers, springs, lakes, and rain—central to the celebration of this festival.

In ancient Iranian art and architecture, you can see designs of water waves and images of the water goddess Anahita alongside Khordad’s symbols, including the lily flower.

Rituals of the Day of Khordadgan

For Iranians, water is vital for survival and a significant symbol of purity and clarity. This significance is observable in the water rituals during the Khordadgan celebration. Zoroastrian texts say that water is vital for life. It is the source of existence, birth, and growth for all living beings, and it helps the earth thrive.

On Khordad Day, people celebrate with Khordadgan festivities. A key tradition is visiting springs, rivers, or the sea. During these visits, people bathe and say special prayers. They also spend time enjoying the day with family and friends. Abu Rayhan al-Biruni mentioned these washing rituals in his book The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries.

The fourth of the twenty-one Yashts in the Avesta honors the goddess Khordad. It tells us, in the voice of Ahura Mazda, that he created Khordad’s help, salvation, peace, and prosperity for good people. Today, Zoroastrians gather in temples to pray and read the Avesta. Their celebrations are joyful and festive.

Cultural and Environmental Significance

The Khordadgan Festival can remind us to respect our environment, especially our water resources. Water shortages are a serious problem in many places, especially in the Middle East. Looking back at the ideas of this festival could help modern societies understand the importance of water.
The Khordadgan Festival highlights the need to balance progress with spiritual growth. It teaches us to use nature wisely while also honoring and respecting it.
As part of the Khordadgan Festival, we share a verse from Bijan and Manijeh, a tale from Shahnameh.

May Hormoz give your faith a firm foundation,
Bahman, your guardian with fortune’s coronation.

May Ordibehesht, in noble springtime,
Guard your senses and guide your reason with rhyme.

May Shahrivar bring you triumph and might,
In the name of greatness, virtue, and light.

May Sepandarmaz, your protector remain,
And wisdom shines bright in your soul’s domain.

From Khordad may joy reach your land and your kin,
And the health of your livestock may ever begin