What it celebrates
Khordad Sal celebrates the birth of Zarathushtra (Zoroaster), the prophet of the Zoroastrian faith, whose hymns, the Gathas, are its most sacred texts. His message of Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta, good thoughts, good words, good deeds, remains the heart of Zoroastrian life.
Tradition places his birth on Roj Khordad, the sixth day, of Mah Farvardin, the first month. So Khordad Sal comes five days after Navroz, and is sometimes called the greatest day of the year.
How it is observed
- Prayers and jashans at agiaries and fire temples, and at home.
- Visits to family and friends, and festive meals.
- Charity and good deeds, in the spirit of Zarathushtra’s teaching.
- In many families, the days between Navroz and Khordad Sal are a continuous festive season.
Zarathushtra’s two days
The Parsi calendar remembers Zarathushtra twice:
- Khordad Sal, his birth, on Roj Khordad, Mah Farvardin.
- Zarthost no Diso, the anniversary of his passing, on Roj Khorshed, Mah Dae, observed solemnly with prayers.
How the date is set
Khordad Sal is fixed by Roj and Mah, so its Gregorian date depends on the calendar you follow: in Shahenshahi and Kadmi it moves slowly through the year with Navroz, and in Fasli it falls on a fixed date in late March. See Parsi Roj and Mah.
How OIOA helps
- The Parsi Home screen shows today’s Roj and Mah in your calendar.
- Reminders for Khordad Sal and Zarthost no Diso.
- Cards to share good wishes.
Wishing someone
“Khordad Sal Mubarak”.