Mehregan
Mehregan, known as the Persian Festival of Autumn, is celebrated on the 16th day of each month in the ancient Iranian calendar, called Mehr. It is considered one of the oldest and most glorious festivals of ancient Iran, reminiscent of the Mithraism ritual where they worshipped Mithra, the god of light, love, and friendship. The festival dates back to around 2000 BCE and begins in the early days of autumn, lasting for six days until the day of Ram, which is the 21st of the month.
Historically, the Mehregan festival was celebrated on the first day of Mehr according to the Achaemenid calendar, but today it’s observed on the 16th of Mehr. This day is also known as Mehregan-e Omomi or Universal Mehregan. The exact date varies in different tribes with their own calendars. For example, according to the Tabari calendar and the traditional Yazd calendar, it is celebrated in mid-February, while according to the Delmi calendar, it falls on the last day of February. Zoroastrians celebrate Mehregan on the 10th day of Mehr, following their own calendar, with special ceremonies.
Mehregan, like Nowruz (the Persian New Year), has historical, religious, and natural or astronomical aspects. Astronomically, it occurs a few days after the autumnal equinox, marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it commemorates the victory of Kaveh the Blacksmith, a legendary hero, over the tyrant Zahhak, and the ascension of Fereydoun to the throne on this day. Mehregan symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood and justice over tyranny, deeply rooted in religious beliefs. Mithra or Mehr in Iranian culture signifies the brilliance of the sun, love, and friendship, while Mehregan is a reminder of loyalty and a warning to oath-breakers.
In the past, Mehregan was celebrated with special rituals and ceremonies. Music and songs played a significant role, with people wearing new clothes, usually in red, and gathering together. They brought scented gifts, carefully packaged, including a red blanket, evergreen branches, fruits like grapes, pomegranates, apples, and quinces, local dishes, Avesta books, Shahnameh (the Persian epic), Hafez’s poetry, mirrors, candles resembling fire, esfand (wild rue), saffron, sweets, special bread, rosewater, and drinks made from haoma extract. After feasting, group dancing and singing Mehregan songs took place, and at the end, they clasped hands as a symbol of renewing friendship.
Today, Zoroastrians gather in fire temples and prayer houses, prepare traditional foods, engage in prayers, and celebrate Mehregan on the day of Mehr. Jalal Al-e Ahmad, a renowned Iranian writer, associates the “Qalishuyi” or carpet washing festival in Mashhad with Mehregan.
