🔥 Zoroastrian Festival · December 26 (approximately, 11th day of month Dey)
Zartosht No-Diso -- Death Anniversary of Zarathustra
Also: Zarathustra's Death Day, Day of Zarathustra's Passing
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Significance
Zartosht No-Diso commemorates the death (or departure) of the prophet Zarathustra. According to tradition, Zarathustra was murdered at the age of 77 while praying at a fire temple in Balkh. This day is observed with solemnity, prayer, and renewed commitment to his teachings. The Gathas are read, the fire is tended with special care, and practitioners reflect on the prophet's legacy and their own faithfulness to Asha.
Traditional observances
- Read from the Gathas -- Zarathustra's own words in the Avesta
- Light the sacred fire and tend it through the day
- Reflect on Zarathustra's life: his solitary quest for truth, his rejection of polytheism, his revelation at age 30
- Make a renewed commitment to Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds
- Visit a fire temple if possible
