Frawardigan

Frawardigan, also known as Farvardegan or the Festival of All Souls, is an ancient Zoroastrian commemoration observed in the late autumn. It is a period dedicated to honoring and remembering the souls of the departed, particularly their *fravashis*, which are believed to be the spiritual presences or guardian spirits of all living beings.

The festival typically spans the last five days of the Zoroastrian calendar year, preceding the new year celebration of Nowruz. During Frawardigan, it is customary for families to gather, make offerings, and perform rituals to express love and respect for their ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. Prayers are recited, and symbolic items like food, flowers, and incense are often placed at their gravesites or at home altars.

The core belief behind Frawardigan is that the *fravashis* of the righteous can offer protection and guidance to the living. By remembering them and showing reverence, Zoroastrians believe they strengthen their connection to these spiritual entities and ensure the continuity of life and the cosmic order. It is a time of introspection, remembrance, and spiritual renewal, reinforcing familial bonds and the Zoroastrian ethical principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. The festival serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between the living and the departed, and the enduring influence of ancestral spirits.