BEST Iran Zoroastrian Tours in Yazd & Taft 2024 – Zoroastrianism Tour Packages

What You Might Experience On A Zoroastrian Tour

Zoroastrianism at a Glance

Once upon a time in Iran, over 4000 years ago, a prophet was born that gave birth to one of the world’s most ancient faiths. This spiritual leader, Zarathustra, had a deep respect for nature and a belief in a benevolent God known as Ahura Mazda (the Wide Lord).  Belief in the eternal battle of the good and the evil and following the path of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” were also of the essence of his faith. The greatest Persian empires_ Median, Achaemenid, and Sassanid_ were believers in Zoroastrianism.

In the Middle Ages, with the arrival of Islam, the practice of Zoroastrianism declined. But the firm believers either migrated to India or gathered around the city of Yazd. Today, Zoroastrianism has blessed Iran with deep-rooted ceremonies, unique traditions, and ancient buildings. A Zoroastrian Tour in Yazd will bring you to all these charms.

Zoroastrians celebrate a variety of festivals and holidays throughout the year. Some are annual festivals celebrated in groups. And some small occasional ones may be celebrated at any time in families and local communities. Contact us to find out which of these festivals you can join on a Zoroastrian Tour! Here are some of them:

Naw-ruz or Nowruz is an ancient Persian holiday, marking the beginning of Spring Equinox, celebrating the Persian New Year. It is the celebration of God, the creation, the sacred elements, plants, and animals. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, this festival is probably the most popular not only among Zoroastrians, but also other Iranians as well. With certain customs and traditions, including the Haft Sin (a table of symbolic items), Nowruz is joyous, colorful, and simply beautiful.

Zoroastrians, as well as contemporary Iranians, celebrate the winter solstice as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. Iranians pass the longest and darkest night of the year, the last night of fall, in the warm company of friends and family. The night, known as Yalda night,  is filled with laughter, chatter, color, poetry, story-telling, and food.

Sada or Sadeh is Zoroastrians’ winter fire festival. It is traditionally celebrated 40 days after the winter solstice. Today Zoroastrians in Yazd and Kerman celebrate light, fire and life by setting a large fire in an open space or inside their temples. They gather in a circle, hold hands, and pray. Joining Sadeh ceremony is one of the most unique Zoroastrianism tours you can experience. 

Mehregan is the Zoroastrian festival of autumn, celebrating the fall harvest, and in honor of Mehr, the goddess of light, friendship, love, and kindness. Zoroastrians set a table of symbolic items and engage in special rituals, prayers, and celebration.

This Zoroastrian holiday marks the death of Zoroaster or Zartosht, the founder of Zoroastrianism. So, this day of mourning involves prayers, rituals, and studies on the life and teachings of Zoroaster.

Khordad Sal or Greater Nowruz is Prophet Zarathustra’s birthday. Six days after Nowruz, Zoroastrians celebrated this occasion by having prayers at the fire temples, uniting with families and friends, enjoying a feast, filling their homes with flowers, and decorating floors or entrances with designs made with colored powder.

If Yazd and its Zoroastrian heritage fascinates you or you’d like to join a Zoroastrian tour, don’t hesitate to check out our blogs. We spread its wisdom, reveal its charms, and share its secrets.