Iran Holiday: National & Public Holidays in Iran (Persian Holidays)
Centuries of ancient civilization and Islamic culture, as well as key Political milestones have marked the Iranian calendar with 26 days off. These Public Holidays in Iran are based on the solar calendar and the lunar calendar. The ones based on the solar calendar have ancient or national essence. And the ones based on the Lunar calendar are of an Islamic nature. Because of the shifting nature of the lunar calendar, the dates of these religious holidays shifts on the solar and Gregorian calendar each year. Stay with me to find out about all the official Iranian holidays.
Nowruz Holidays in Iran
Date: March 21- March 25
Nowruz, the solar New Year celebrations, is the most popular holiday among Iranians. With roots in Zoroastrianism and ancient Iran, Nowruz is a celebration of the rejuvenation of nature. Now mixed with the Islamic beliefs of Iranians, this long Iranian holiday involves joyous traditions, get-togethers, dressing up and eating well.
The Islamic Republic Day
Date: April 1
Marking the day that the results of the March 1979 Iranian Islamic Republic referendum was announces, this holiday in Iran is known as the Islamic Republic day. The 98.2% vote for the establishment of an Islamic republic is a day of celebration for the state.
Sizdah Bedar Holiday in Iran
Date: April 2
Sizdah Bedar (which literally means 13 to leave) is a continuation of Nowruz holidays and a special conclusion to them. On this Iranian holiday, the 13th day of Nowruz, Iranians leave their houses to enjoy the day in the arms of nature. You could say that Sizdah Bedar is an ancient celebration of nature with unique customs.
Martyrdom of Imam Ali
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
The day when the first Imam of Shia Muslims, Imam Ali (PBUH) passed away because of the wound he had received a couple of days ago is a day of mourning for Muslims. This revered leader is a symbol of spiritual wisdom, justice, kindness and bravery for Shia.
Eid Al-Fitr Holiday in Iran
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
This happy religious holiday in Iran and other Islamic countries marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting period. The day starts with a congregational prayer and continues with giving alms to the poor, dressing up, having parties and special rituals.
Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadeq
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
The 6th Imam of Shia, the 8th century Shia Muslim scholar, and the founder of the main Shia jurisprudence, Imam Jafar Sadeq (PBUH), is one of the most important figures for Shia Muslims. So, his martyrdom through poisoning is a major religious holiday in Iran.
Demise of Imam Khomeini
Date: June 3
The leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, died of cancer at the age of 86 in June 1989. The historic day he passed away marks a holiday in the Iranian calendar. His funeral has been recorded as one of the largest gatherings of people in human history.
Khordad 15 Uprising
Date: June 5
Observed on June 5 every year, were a series of 1963 protests against Mohammad Reza shah, the last Shah of the Pahlavi Dynasty of Iran. These revolts are considered the starting point of the Islamic Revolution and so mark an Iran holiday.
Eid-e Qorban (Feast of Sacrifice)
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
The second of the main two holidays celebrated in Islam, Eid-e Qorban (or Eid Al-Adha), is another happy holiday in Iran. The day honors Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. In commemoration of God’s intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed and the meat is distributed among the poor.
Eid Al-Ghadir Holiday in Iran
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
This important holiday in Iran commemorates a significant day in Shia belief. According to Shia Muslims, this day marks the day when the Islamic prophet Muhammed (PBUH) appointed Ali Ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) as his successor. This Iranian holiday is one of the happiest occasions for Iranian Muslims.
Tasu’a Day and Ashura Day
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
These two significant days in the Iranian calendar mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (PBUH), the third Imam of Shia. Marking the 9th and 10th days of the month of Muharram in the Lunar calendar, these days are the culmination of 10 days of mourning for the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, his family and his followers to send a message against oppression and show the real Islam.
Arba’een Day
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
In Islamic belief, the 40th day after the death of a person, people gather to remember and pray for him/her. Arbaeen is a religious observance 40 days after Ashura Day, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Mourning rituals as well as Nazri (sacred free food cooked with a spiritual purpose and distributed among relatives, friends, neighbors, mourners and the poor) are of the traditions for this Iranian holiday.
Demise of Prophet Muhammed
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
The demise of the prophet of kindness, Muhammad (PBUH), also marks the martyrdom of Imam Hasan Mojtaba, the second Imam of Shia. The messenger of God lived to the age of 62, until 632 AD. His demise marks a day of mourning in the calendar of Iran.
Martyrdom of Imam Reza
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
Imam Reza (PBUH), the 8th Imam of Shia, is the only Imam who lived a part of his life in Iran. He was Martyred by the caliph of the time, al-Ma’mun, in Mashhad, Iran, and was buried there. The love of Iranians for this kind Islamic leader makes them have special rituals on this mourning holiday in Iran.
Martyrdom of Imam Asgari
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
Imam Hasan Asgari was the 11th Imam of Shia Muslims and the father of the messianic figure in Islam. His martyrdom marks not only a day of mourning, but the end of the day is also celebrated as the beginning of the mission of his son, Imam Mahdi, the Messianic savior of the world.
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad & Imam Sadegh
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
To Muslims, this day is the happy day when God blessed mankind with his last messenger: Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). This joyous occasion is further graced by the birthday celebration of the birthday of Imam Sadegh, the 6th Imam of Shia and the founder of the main Shia school of Islamic jurisprudence.
Martyrdom of Fatima
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
Lady Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammed and the wife of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (PBUH), is one of Islam’s main and most respected figures. According to Shia, she died a tragic death by an attack to her house. So, Shia remember this day and commemorate her grand personality by special mourning rituals.
The Birthday of Imam Ali
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
The birth of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb (PBUH), the first Imam of Shia and a revered figure among the Sunni, involves a miraculous story of being born in the sacred sanctuary of Ka’ba. Imam Ali is remembered for his kindness toward the orphans and his being a father figure for them. So, Iranian Shia observe this happy day as Fathers’ Day and celebrate their fathers.
Islamic Revolution Day
Date: February 11
This holiday in Iran marks the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As one of the most significant points on the contemporary history of Iran, this day is celebrated nationally in schools, on national TV, and on the street.
Mab’as Feast Holiday in Iran
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
At the age of 40, Muhammed, was praying and talking to God in a cave near his town that Gabriel appeared to him and revealed the message of God to him. Mab’as Feast is the celebration of this day, the day Muhammed (PBUH) was chosen as a messenger and prophet. So, Muslims commemorate the beginning of his grand mission with happy rituals.
Birthday of Imam Mahdi
Date: variable based on the lunar calendar
Imam Mahdi, or al-Mahdi, is the Messianic savior of mankind in the Islamic belief. This apocalyptic figure who will be accompanied by Jesus Christ will unite the world and fill it with humanity and justice. The Shia believe the son of the 11th Imam, who is miraculously hidden from the world, to be the al-Mahdi. The 15th of Sha’ban, (a month of the Lunar calendar), is the joyous day of the savior’s birth.
Is there holiday in Iran?
Yes, the Iranian calendar marks many holidays ranging from holidays of ancient, Islamic and national essence.
What is the main holiday in Iran?
You could say that Nowruz is the main and happiest of the Iranian holidays.
How many days are holiday in Iran?
Iran has 26 public holidays, giving it a high rank among the world countries with a high number of days off.
