This is an ancient ritual that has its roots in Zoroastrian tradition. A mid-winter get together and banquet is arranged in homes as well as official guesthouses to cherish the gift of Fire. Great bonfires are lit up at open grounds or public squares, and a large number of Zoroastrians as well as people from other religions gather around to witness the roaring and leaping flames.
7 results
City overview
This is an ancient ritual that has its roots in Zoroastrian tradition. A mid-winter get together and banquet is arranged in homes as well as official guesthouses to cherish the gift of Fire. Great bonfires are lit up at open grounds or public squares, and a large number of Zoroastrians as well as people from other religions gather around to witness the roaring and leaping flames.
This is the last day in the Persian calendar, celebrated somewhere around mid-March, just before the festival of Nowruz. It marks the end of the past year’s darkness, and a resolve to welcome new light and new hope into the lives of Persians.
Nowruz marks the first day of spring, and the first day of the Persian calendar. It is celebrated in accordance with ancient Zoroastrian theology.
This day marks the end of the Nowruz festival, and is celebrated to evade the bad luck that a 13th day brings. Sizdah Bezar aims at appreciating the beauty of nature and the great outdoors to ward off evil presences and ideas.
The holy month of Ramadan is marked with respect and adherence to the fundamental beliefs of Islam, and there is a general air of non-indulgence and goodwill around the city. Eateries all around Isfahan are closed from early morning till sunset, as eating and drinking is forbidden during the daytime – a month of fasting and refraining from all evil acts and thoughts to attain salvation.
The end of Ramadan marks festivity for the fasting Muslims. 3 days of celebration follow just as Ramadan ends – Eid. The festival of Eid is marked by visits to family and friends, and sharing smiles, exchanging gifts, and treating yourself to delicious sweet meats.
This festival is solemnly observed during the first ten days of Muharram. It is in grim remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain along with his family at Karbala. Passionate Tazieh are performed – processions/parades with large banners, wooden sculptures, horses, and bloodied pieces of cloth.