The Zoroastrian calendar is a special way for Zoroastrians to keep track of time. Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world, and it was started by a man named Zoroaster. This calendar is not just about dates; it also helps Zoroastrians remember their beliefs and celebrate important events. Let's learn more about it in a simple way!
What Is the Zoroastrian Calendar?
The Zoroastrian calendar is like a map for the year. It helps Zoroastrians know when to celebrate holidays and remember special things. It has 12 months, and each month has 30 days. There are also 5 extra days at the end of the year, which makes it 365 days long.
Each month and day has a name that is very important. The names are about good things, like nature, kindness, and the sky. This makes every day feel special and helps people remember to be kind and do good things.
The Zoroastrian calendar is very different from the calendar most people use. It has its own way of naming the months and the days, which makes it very unique. When Zoroastrians use this calendar, they are reminded of their religion and all the good things they believe in. They also celebrate many special holidays that help them feel close to their families, their friends, and their beliefs.
This Year Navroz will be celebrated on 16th August 2024.
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Months in the Zoroastrian Calendar
The Zoroastrian calendar has 12 months. Here are the names of the months and what they mean:
Farvardin - This month is named after the Fravashis, the guardian spirits. It represents protection, guidance, and blessings.
Ardibehesht - This month is about Asha Vahishta, which means truth and righteousness. It encourages people to live with honesty and goodness.
Khordad - Named after Haurvatat, meaning wholeness or perfection. It symbolizes health, well-being, and completeness.
Tir - This month is dedicated to Tishtrya, the spirit of the star Sirius and rain. It represents prosperity, fertility, and blessings for the crops.
Amardad - Named after Ameretat, meaning immortality. It is about living a long, healthy life and eternal growth.
Shahrivar - This month is about Kshathra Vairya, meaning desirable power. It represents strength, courage, and the wish for a just and fair society.
Mehr - Named after Mithra, the spirit of love, friendship, and faithfulness. It is all about building connections and trust.
Aban - This month is dedicated to Apo, which means water. It celebrates the importance of water and its role in giving life and purity.
Adar - Named after Atar, the spirit of fire. Fire is a symbol of energy, purity, and the light of truth.
Dey - This month is about Ahura Mazda, the supreme god. It is a reminder of wisdom, creation, and the power of the divine.
Bahman - Named after Vohu Manah, meaning the good mind. It encourages people to think positively, be wise, and make good choices.
Esfand - This month is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti, meaning holy devotion. It represents kindness, love for the earth, and dedication to doing good.
Each month is named after something good, like love, kindness, or nature. This helps people remember to be thankful for all the good things in life. For example, the month of Mehr is about love and friendship, and the month of Bahman is about having a good mind and being wise. These names remind people to be kind, wise, and loving every day.
Name of Gahs
Hawan (Sunrise to Afternoon)
Rapithwin (Afternoon to 3 PM)
Uzerin (3 PM to Sunset)
Aiwisruthrem (Sunset to Midnight)
Ushahin (Midnight to Sunrise)
A English calendar has 365.25 days thus we have leap year every 4 years. Our Calendar and English Calendar started diverging. They again aligned in 1006 C.E. resulting in Navroze occurring on the Vernal Equinox. Thus, the Scholars of Zoroastrian Community decided to add extra month after every 120 years to sync both the calendars. The Indian Zoroastrians added an extra month in 1129 C.E. Consequently, New Year, which originally correlated with the vernal equinox on March 21st, has since fallen earlier in the English calendar year such that it now occurs in August
Days in the Zoroastrian Calendar
Just like the months, each of the 30 days in the Zoroastrian calendar also has a special name and meaning. Here is the list of all 30 days and what they represent:
Ohrmazd - Named after Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, representing wisdom and creation.
Bahman - Represents the good mind, encouraging wisdom and good thoughts.
Ardibehesht - Stands for truth and righteousness, encouraging living with honesty.
Shahrivar - Represents desirable power, linked to strength, courage, and a just society.
Spendarmad - Symbolizes holy devotion, love for the earth, and dedication to doing good.
Khordad - Represents wholeness and health, reminding people of well-being and completeness.
Amurdad - Symbolizes immortality, focusing on health, long life, and eternal growth.
Dae-pa-Adar - Refers to Ahura Mazda and is dedicated to the divine essence.
Adar - Represents fire, a symbol of energy, purity, and the light of truth.
Aban - Represents water, celebrating its importance in giving life and purity.
Khorshed - Represents the sun, a symbol of light, warmth, and the source of life.
Mah - Represents the moon, which symbolizes the passage of time and reflection.
Tir - Represents Tishtrya, the spirit of the star Sirius, linked to rain and prosperity.
Gosh - Named after Geush Urvan, the spirit of cattle, symbolizing care for animals and kindness.
Dae-pa-Meher - Refers to Ahura Mazda and is linked to divine qualities.
Meher - Represents Mithra, symbolizing love, friendship, and faithfulness.
Srosh - Represents the spirit of obedience, encouraging people to listen to their inner voice and follow what is right.
Rashn - Symbolizes justice, reminding people to be fair and truthful.
Fravardin - Represents the guardian spirits, providing protection and blessings.
Behram - Represents victory, encouraging courage and overcoming challenges.
Ram - Represents joy and peace, symbolizing happiness and contentment.
Bad - Represents the wind, a reminder of the natural elements and their importance.
Dae-pa-Din - Refers to Ahura Mazda and divine aspects of faith.
Din - Represents religion and faith, reminding people to stay connected to their beliefs.
Ashishvangh - Represents rewards and blessings that come from good actions.
Ashtad - Symbolizes justice and truth, encouraging fairness.
Asman - Represents the sky, a symbol of vastness and the higher divine realm.
Zamyad - Represents the earth, celebrating nature and the environment.
Mahraspand - Symbolizes holy wisdom, encouraging people to learn and grow.
Anagran - Represents endless light, symbolizing eternity and the divine light that never fades.
There are 30 days in each month, and each day has a different name. Some of these names are the same as the names of the months. When a day and a month have the same name, it is a special day called a Jashan. On this day, Zoroastrians have a celebration to say thank you for all the good things in their lives.
Just like the months, each day in the Zoroastrian calendar also has a special name. These names are about important ideas or gods that Zoroastrians believe in. For example:
Day 1: Ohrmazd (which means Ahura Mazda, the main god)
Day 16: Mehr (which means love and truth)
There are 30 days in each month, and each day has a different name. Some of these names are the same as the names of the months. When a day and a month have the same name, it is a special day called a Jashan. On this day, Zoroastrians have a celebration to say thank you for all the good things in their lives.
Different Types of Zoroastrian Calendars
There are three different versions of the Zoroastrian calendar:
The Fasli Calendar: This calendar tries to match the seasons and has a leap year, just like the calendar most people use today. It helps keep the holidays in the right season, like spring or winter.
The Shahenshahi Calendar: This calendar does not have leap years, so the dates of holidays change a little bit every year. Many Zoroastrians in India use this calendar. Because it does not have a leap year, sometimes holidays like Nowruz happen at different times than expected.
The Qadimi Calendar: This is an older version of the calendar. It also does not have leap years. It is used by some Zoroastrians, and it is a little different from the other calendars.
These different calendars mean that Zoroastrians might celebrate the same holiday on different days, depending on which calendar they use. This can be a little confusing, but each group still celebrates with joy and love, no matter which calendar they follow.
Important Zoroastrian Holidays
Zoroastrians celebrate many holidays. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Nowruz (New Year)
Nowruz is the Zoroastrian New Year. It happens when spring begins. It is a happy time when people clean their homes, visit family, and pray for a good year. Nowruz is all about new beginnings. It is a time to start fresh, just like how flowers start to bloom in spring. Families get together, have big meals, and decorate a special table called the Haft-Seen with things like apples, coins, and eggs, which all have special meanings.
2. Jashan-e Sadeh
Sadeh is a festival that happens in winter. Zoroastrians light big fires to celebrate warmth and light during the cold months. It is a time for people to come together and be happy. The big fire helps everyone feel warm, and it reminds them of the good things that keep them safe during the winter. People sing songs, share stories, and eat good food by the fire.
3. Jashan-e Mehrgan
Mehrgan is a festival that celebrates love, friendship, and kindness. It is a time to give thanks, share food, and enjoy being with friends and family. During Mehrgan, people dress in colorful clothes, and they give gifts to each other. It is a time to remember how important it is to be kind and to care for others. Zoroastrians also say prayers and thank Ahura Mazda for all the good things they have.
4. Gahambars
The Gahambars are six special celebrations that happen at different times of the year. They are about being thankful for the world, like the sky, water, plants, and animals. People come together to share food and help each other. The Gahambars are also a time for charity, where people help those in need. They remind everyone of how important it is to take care of the earth and be generous to others.
5. Pateti (Day of Remembrance)
Pateti is the day before Nowruz. It is a time to think about the past year and promise to be better in the new year. On Pateti, Zoroastrians think about the things they have done and how they can be kinder and more helpful. It is a day for saying sorry if they have made mistakes and for making plans to do better in the future.
Why Is Time Important in Zoroastrianism?
In Zoroastrianism, time is very important. Zoroastrians believe there is always a battle between good and bad. Time is where this battle happens, and every person has a role to play by choosing to do good things. The calendar helps remind Zoroastrians of their job to be kind, honest, and helpful every day.
Every day has a special meaning, and each month has its own purpose. By following the calendar, Zoroastrians stay connected to their beliefs. They know that each day is a chance to do something good, like helping a friend, being honest, or taking care of the earth. The Zoroastrian calendar is like a guide that helps them remember to always do their best and make the world a better place.
Challenges of the Zoroastrian Calendar Today
Today, having different versions of the calendar can sometimes be confusing. For example, Zoroastrians in different places might celebrate the same holiday on different days. Some people want to make one calendar for everyone, but others want to keep their old traditions.
Even with these challenges, the calendar is still very important to Zoroastrians. It helps them stay connected to their beliefs and their community. Younger people are also showing more interest in their traditions and festivals, which helps keep the Zoroastrian culture alive.
Many young Zoroastrians are learning more about their religion and the calendar. They are celebrating holidays with their families and sharing these traditions with their friends. Even if the calendars are different, the love for the festivals and the values they represent are the same. These celebrations bring people together, and they are a reminder of the beautiful history and beliefs that Zoroastrians share.
FAQs About the Zoroastrian Calendar
1. Why are there different versions of the Zoroastrian calendar?
There are different versions because of changes made a long time ago in different places. Some calendars do not have leap years, so they slowly drift away from the seasons. This is why some people celebrate holidays at different times, depending on which calendar they use.
2. Why are the months and days named after divine ideas?
The months and days are named after important ideas and gods to help Zoroastrians remember to be good and stay connected to their beliefs. These names remind people of kindness, truth, and the beauty of the world, and they help Zoroastrians think about how they can make the world a better place.
3. How do Zoroastrians celebrate Nowruz?
Zoroastrians celebrate Nowruz by cleaning their homes, setting up a special table with good things, visiting family, and praying. It is a time for a fresh start and happiness. People also wear new clothes and spend time with their loved ones, sharing meals and giving thanks for all the good things in life.
4. What are the Gathas?
The Gathas are special songs that were written by Zoroaster. They are very important to Zoroastrians. At the end of the year, there are five Gatha days to remember these songs and think deeply. During these days, Zoroastrians reflect on the teachings of Zoroaster and try to follow his words to be kind, truthful, and helpful.
5. Why do festivals fall on different days?
Festivals can fall on different days because there are different versions of the Zoroastrian calendar. Some calendars do not have leap years, which makes the dates change slowly over time. Even if the dates are different, Zoroastrians celebrate with the same spirit of joy, love, and togetherness.
Conclusion
The Zoroastrian calendar is not just about keeping track of time—it is a special way to remember what is important in life. Every month, every day, and every holiday has a meaning that helps Zoroastrians feel connected to their beliefs, their community, and the world around them. Even though it can be confusing sometimes, the calendar is a strong symbol of Zoroastrian identity and a reminder to always do good and stay true to Asha (truth and order).
Whether it is celebrating Nowruz, lighting a fire for Sadeh, or sharing food at a Gahambar, Zoroastrians are always reminded of the good things in life and the importance of being kind, thankful, and connected to each other. The Zoroastrian calendar is a beautiful guide that shows people how to live in a good way, care for the world, and share happiness with everyone around them. It is not just about days and months; it is about living a life full of love, kindness, and gratitude.
Zoroastrians use their calendar to make every day meaningful. By celebrating holidays, remembering the names of the months and days, and following their beliefs, they keep their culture strong and alive. The Zoroastrian calendar is a way for them to always remember what is good and to share that goodness with the world.