Khordad Sal (Birthday of Zarathustra)
The birthday of the Prophet Zarathustra, founder of one of the world's oldest revealed religions.
Khordad Sal falls on the sixth day of the first Zoroastrian month, so its date depends on the calendar a community follows: most Parsis (Shahenshahi) mark it in August, Kadmi followers about a month earlier in July, and Fasli (seasonal) followers on March 26.
When Is Khordad Sal (Birthday of Zarathustra)?
Khordad Sal falls on the sixth day of the first Zoroastrian month, so its date depends on the calendar a community follows: most Parsis (Shahenshahi) mark it in August, Kadmi followers about a month earlier in July, and Fasli (seasonal) followers on March 26.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Khordad Sal celebrates the birth of Zarathushtra (Zoroaster), whose revelation of Ahura Mazda, the supreme God of Truth, and ethical dualism (Asha/Druj) are widely thought by scholars to have influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
How It Is Observed
Fire temple ceremonies, prayers, study of the Gathas (Zarathustra's own hymns), community gatherings, reflection on Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.