Festivals and celebrationsMiddle EastZoroastrian
Khordad Sal
In its own language: خرداد روز
A Zoroastrian festival marking the birth of the prophet Zarathushtra with prayers and feasts.
Khordad Sal is a sacred day observed by Zoroastrians globally to honor the birth of their founder, Zarathushtra. It falls on March 26 each year, corresponding to the sixth day of Farvardin in their calendar, and involves communal prayers, home cleaning, and festive meals.
When is Khordad Sal kept?
Khordad Sal is kept on annually on 26 March.
Khordad Sal marks the birth anniversary of Zarathushtra, the prophet who founded Zoroastrianism. Devotees around the world observe this day to celebrate the arrival of divine wisdom and truth. The occasion combines spiritual devotion with social gathering, reinforcing community bonds through shared rituals and meals.
What the day means
This observance honors the birth of Zarathushtra, who brought the concept of asha, or truth and order, to humanity. Followers view his arrival as a cosmic event that advanced the struggle between good and evil. The day serves as a reminder to renew moral commitments and align personal conduct with divine principles. It is not just a historical marker but a living opportunity for spiritual reflection and ethical renewal.
How it is kept
Parsi households undergo thorough cleaning and are decorated for the festivities. Families prepare elaborate traditional meals to share with one another. Special prayers and jashan ceremonies take place throughout the day. Communities often hold parties and ghambars to celebrate together. These activities blend devotional acts with social functions, strengthening ties among participants.
Origins and history
The celebration has ancient roots in the Zoroastrian liturgical calendar, which places the birthday on the sixth day of Farvardin. Early Iranian Zoroastrians marked the day with fire offerings and ritual prayers. Over time, especially among Parsis in India, the observance evolved into a larger social event. By the nineteenth century, public gatherings and durbars helped consolidate identity within the diaspora.
How Khordad Sal is kept
Families clean their homes and decorate them for the occasion. Elaborate traditional meals are prepared and shared. Special prayers and jashan ceremonies are held all day. Communities gather for parties and ghambars to celebrate together. The day blends spiritual devotion with social bonding.
When and where
It falls annually on March 26. This date corresponds to the sixth day of Farvardin in the Zoroastrian calendar. Scholars identify this period as the Khordad day of Farvardin. The scheduling remains consistent each year within their religious calendar system.
Zoroastrians worldwide observe this festival. It is particularly significant in Iran, India, and Armenia. The celebration helps maintain communal cohesion among global diasporas. Local communities gather to reinforce their shared faith and cultural identity.
What Khordad Sal means
The name derives from Khordad, an Avestan term symbolizing wholeness and perfection. Sal means year or birthday. Together, they signify an auspicious day of completeness. The observance embodies a spiritual aspiration for renewal. It represents the fulfillment of cosmic purpose and the triumph of truth over disorder.
Questions people ask about Khordad Sal
When is Khordad Sal kept?
Khordad Sal is kept on annually on 26 March.
What is Khordad Sal?
It is the birth anniversary of Zarathushtra, the prophet of Zoroastrianism. Devotees observe it to honor his teachings and the introduction of truth and order to the world.
Who celebrates this day?
Zoroastrians around the world observe Khordad Sal. It is particularly noted in Iran, India, and Armenia, where communities gather for prayers and feasts.
See also
ChristmasA festival of Jesus's birth, kept on 25 December with gifts, lights and shared meals
DiwaliA five-day festival of lights celebrated across India and its diaspora to mark the victory of light over darkness.
MawlidAn annual festival marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, marked by poetry, processions and feasts.
HoliA spring festival of colours and bonfires that marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Khordad Sal", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.
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