Ordibeheshtgan Festival
Celebrating Truth and Purity in Iranian Culture

(Farsi Level: C1)

In ancient Iran, each day of the month had a specific name, much like the twelve months of the year do today. The Ordibeheshtgan Festival is one of these ancient Iranian celebrations, observed on the day of Ordibehesht (the second day of the month of Ordibehesht in the current calendar). In the Zoroastrian calendar, every day has its unique designation, and when the day and month share the same name, it marks a special occasion worthy of celebration. Like other monthly festivals, Ordibeheshtgan represents the cosmic harmony and order central to ancient Iranian culture. Join The best Methode for learning about Iran in exploring the significance of the Ordibeheshtgan Festival and what it embodies.

Ordibehesht and Its Meaning

The word Ordibehesht consists of two parts: Asha, which means truth, order, and purity, and Vahishta, which means the best. Together, they mean that the ultimate truth shines through in Asha, who symbolizes the journey towards happiness. It suggests that the truly happiest individuals are those who seek out truth and embrace purity in their lives. This term also refers to Gohardad, which stands for the natural order and laws of nature. The festival celebrates values like honesty, justice, and purity in personal and community life.

The Divinity of Ordibehesht
Symbol of Truth and Creator of Fire

In Zoroastrian belief, Ordibehesht is the second most influential divine being (Amshaspand) next to Ahura Mazda. In the spiritual realm, Ordibehesht serves as the guardian of truth, sacred laws, and the cosmic order. In the physical world, this entity oversees all aspects of fire. In Zoroastrian culture, fire represents light, purity, and divine energy, which is why Ordibehesht is deeply associated with ceremonies that include flames.

The scholar Al-Biruni writes: “Ordibehesht, as a divine emissary, has a mission to eliminate illnesses and ailments through herbs and meals and to distinguish truth from falsehood.” Thus, one of the key roles of Ordibehesht is to protect against illness and sadness, promoting healing for the soul. In the Zoroastrian text Bundahishn, Ordibehesht is associated with the marjoram flower (Marzangu), a fragrant white-to-pinkish flower known for its healing qualities. Every aspect of creation is linked to a divine entity, and in the Bundahishn, Ordibehesht is acknowledged as the creator of fire.

A part of the Avesta, known as the Ordibehesht Yasht, is devoted to honoring this Amshaspand. A passage reads:
I praise Ordibehesht Amshaspand, who embodies the praise of all Amshaspands… residing in the radiant abode of Ahura, the abode of light where only the pure and truthful dwell and no deceiver may enter.
Another part of the Ordibehesht Yasht states:
For its glory and splendor, I praise Ordibehesht, the most beautiful of Amshaspands, with lofty prayers, wise speech, and good thoughts, words, and deeds (Ordibehesht Yasht, verse 18).

Rituals of the Ordibeheshtgan Festival

Zoroastrians celebrate Ordibeheshtgan with special rituals. White, a symbol of purity and simplicity, is worn by participants who gather at fire temples. There, they recite the Ordibehesht Yasht to honor Ahura Mazda. A key ritual, known as tash mas kardan (kindling a great fire), takes place, where Zoroastrian priests (Mobeds) perform Yasna chants over the fire the night before and add it to the sacred fire of the temple on the festival day. A ceremonial table (sofreh) is also set, filled with symbolic items such as fruit, sweets, and rosewater—each representing blessings, joy, and purity, respectively. The priests read from the Avesta while the community quietly listened and recited. This table is dedicated not only to the living but also to the memory of the departed.

Since Ordibehesht is the month of blooming flowers, the festival is also known as the “Flower Garden Celebration” (Golestan Jashn). In ancient times, Iranians would mark this day by heading out into nature and enjoying the beauty of spring.

Final Words

While the Ordibeheshtgan Festival is not widely observed among all Iranians today, Zoroastrians in Iran continue to celebrate it in fire temples and cultural centers, preserving this valuable heritage. The festival reminds us of meaningful values in Iranian culture: truth, purity, and love for light. It teaches us to uphold justice and ethics in personal and social life and, like fire, to bring warmth and radiance to the world. May we all walk the path of truth and purity.