Zoroastrian wedding

Preparations and gifts

The journey begins with arranged meetings between families. Parents traditionally set the match, though couples now often choose their partners first. Before the main event, silver coins are exchanged between homes in a step called Adrâvvûn. This betrothal allows the bride to take her husband's name. Lamps are lit in both houses for Divô, and rings are exchanged. On Âdarni, the groom's family visits the bride with clothes and jewelry. Guests eat sev, dahi, boiled eggs and bananas.

Rites and symbols

A mango twig is planted near the door on the first day to wish for fertility. Two Varadh-patra days follow for ceremonies honoring the dead. On the fourth evening, the couple bathes and wears ceremonial dress. The bride wears white Jâmâ-pichhoir while the groom bears a Kunkun mark. Rice symbolizes good luck as it is sprinkled over each other. An egg is passed over the groom's head three times to remove evil, followed by a coconut and water tray thrown to the ground.

The marriage ceremony

Two priests officiate before witnesses. The couple faces east, separated by a cloth curtain. They consent to the union, and the senior priest joins their right hands in Hâthevârô. Raw twist fastens their grasped hands seven times while Yatha Ahu Vairyo is recited. A cloth circle encloses them. When the curtain drops, they throw rice over each other. The priest blesses them for progeny and long life. They then share food from one dish in Dahi-Koomro.

Feast and closing

Nuptial songs may be sung throughout the evening. A wedding feast follows the rites. Toasts are made to God, the couple, sacred fire temples, guests and hosts. Fish is served at the table as a symbol of good luck. The event concludes after these final blessings and shared meals, marking the official start of the marriage within the community.

How Zoroastrian wedding is kept

Families arrange the match and exchange silver coins and lamps. The groom's family delivers gifts on the third day. On the fourth evening, the couple bathes and dresses in white. Priests join their hands behind a curtain while witnesses watch. Rice is thrown, and an egg removes evil. The couple shares a dish. A feast with fish and songs closes the event.

When and where

It falls on an auspicious day like the new moon or Hormazd. The main ceremony happens on the fourth day of a four-day festive period. Dates vary based on the calendar and family choice.

The tradition is kept by the Parsi community in India. Ceremonies occur in homes or fire temples. The community gathers for the rituals and subsequent feast.

What Zoroastrian wedding means

Fire represents the faith's core values. Rice brings good luck and marks the union. The egg destroys evil destined for the groom. The shared dish shows unity. The blessing asks for long life and righteous living. These acts connect the couple to their spiritual heritage.

Questions people ask about Zoroastrian wedding

See also

SaptapadiThe seven-step ritual that finalizes a Hindu marriage, observed across India.Hindu weddingA traditional Hindu marriage ceremony involving sacred rituals and vows witnessed by fire.Gaye holudA Bengali pre-wedding ceremony where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groomWeddings in IndiaWeddings across India, each shaped by faith, region and family

Good reading and sources

• Zoroastrian wedding on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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.