Mehregan
The Zoroastrian Festival of Mithra, celebrating the divine principle of friendship and light.
Mehregan falls on 16 Mehr, the 16th day of the seventh month. On the Fasli calendar used by many Zoroastrians this is October 2, while on Iran's Solar Hijri calendar it falls around October 8.
When Is Mehregan?
Mehregan falls on 16 Mehr, the 16th day of the seventh month. On the Fasli calendar used by many Zoroastrians this is October 2, while on Iran's Solar Hijri calendar it falls around October 8.
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
Mehregan is the Zoroastrian autumn festival honoring Mithra, the divine being (yazata) of covenants and friendship, associated with light and the sun. It falls on the 16th day of the 7th month (Mehr) of the Zoroastrian calendar, in early autumn.
How It Is Observed
Prayers at the fire temple, sharing meals and sweets (especially pomegranates and dried fruits), wearing new clothes, giving gifts, decorated tables with mirrors and candles, renewing bonds of friendship.
Sacred Text
“We sacrifice unto Mithra, the lord of wide pastures, who is truth-speaking, a chief in assemblies, with a thousand ears, well-shapen, with ten thousand eyes, high, with full knowledge, strong, sleepless, and ever awake.”
, Avesta, Yasht 10.7 (Mihr Yasht) ↗