Mihrgan

Mihrgan is an ancient Iranian festival celebrated on the 16th day of the seventh month of the Persian calendar, Mehr. It is traditionally associated with the autumn equinox and marks the end of summer and the harvest season. The name Mihrgan derives from "Mithra," the Zoroastrian deity of covenants, truth, and light. The festival was historically a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and a celebration of the reunion of two mythical figures, Kaveh the Blacksmith and Fereydun, who overthrew the tyrannical Zahhak.

During Mihrgan, people would exchange gifts, often roses and fruits, and wear new clothes. Feasts were held, and prayers were offered to Mithra. In ancient times, it was also a day when subjects paid tribute to their rulers, and officials were appointed. The festival held significant importance in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, mirroring the changing seasons.

While its observance has varied throughout history and across different regions influenced by Persian culture, Mihrgan continues to be celebrated by some Zoroastrian communities and those who wish to preserve ancient Iranian traditions. Modern celebrations may include family gatherings, symbolic offerings, and recitations of ancient poetry. The themes of gratitude, renewal, and the appreciation of nature remain central to the spirit of Mihrgan.