The International Zoroastrian Community MagazineEst. 1964 · Bombay
Celebrating the spirit of Mithra and the bonds of friendship
As the autumnal equinox approaches, our community is abuzz with excitement, preparing to celebrate one of our most beloved festivals - Mehregan. This joyous occasion, which falls on the 16th day of the seventh month of the Zoroastrian calendar, is a time to honor the Yazata Mithra, the divine being associated with friendship, love, and the harvest season. As I walk through the streets of our Parsi colonies, I am greeted by the warm smiles of friends and family, all eager to come together and observe this ancient tradition. The aroma of lobia and chicken sali wafts through the air, teasing my taste buds and heightening my anticipation for the feast to come.
Mehregan is an ancient festival, with roots dating back to the pre-Islamic period in Persia. According to Dinkard, a 9th-century Zoroastrian text, Mehregan was a grand celebration, marked by elaborate rituals, music, and feasting. The festival was so significant that it was considered one of the most important occasions in the Zoroastrian calendar, alongside Nowruz, the Persian New Year. As
Dr. Farhang Mehr, a renowned Zoroastrian scholar, notes, "Mehregan is a celebration of the divine spirit of Mithra, who embodies the values of friendship, loyalty, and generosity."These values are still at the heart of our community's observance of Mehregan today.
In Zoroastrian theology, Mithra is revered as a powerful Yazata, responsible for protecting the harvest and promoting social bonds. The Avesta, our sacred scripture, describes Mithra as a mighty warrior, who defends the faithful and upholds the principles of justice and righteousness. As we celebrate Mehregan, we honor Mithra's role in fostering friendship and community, values that are essential to our well-being and happiness.
As the great Zoroastrian poet, Kalidasa, wrote, "The friendship of good people is like a garden, where the flowers of love and loyalty bloom forever."This beautiful metaphor captures the essence of Mehregan, a festival that nurtures our relationships and strengthens our bonds with one another.
Our community's observance of Mehregan is marked by a range of vibrant traditions and customs. On the day of the festival, families gather together to share a delicious meal, typically featuring an array of sweet and savory dishes, such as chicken farcha and sev. We exchange gifts, often in the form of flowers, fruits, or sweets, as a symbol of our appreciation and affection for one another. In the evening, we come together to perform the Yazashne ceremony, a ritual that involves the recitation of sacred prayers and the offering of haoma to the divine beings. As we participate in these customs, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude, hospitality, and mutual respect in our relationships.
As our community has dispersed across the globe, Mehregan has become an important occasion for Parsis to connect with one another and reaffirm their cultural heritage. In cities like London, New York, and Sydney, Parsi associations and cultural centers organize Mehregan celebrations, which attract large numbers of people from diverse backgrounds. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for us to share our traditions and customs with others, while also learning about their experiences and perspectives. As
Ms. Silloo Mehta, a prominent Parsi community leader, observes, "Mehregan is a celebration that transcends borders and boundaries, reminding us of our shared humanity and the universal values that unite us all."This sentiment is echoed by Parsis everywhere, who come together to celebrate Mehregan with joy, love, and a deep sense of connection.
As I reflect on the significance of Mehregan, I am struck by the enduring power of this ancient festival to bring our community together. In an increasingly complex and fragmented world, Mehregan reminds us of the importance of nurturing our relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and cultivating the values of friendship, love, and loyalty. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us honor the spirit of Mithra, who inspires us to build bridges of understanding and compassion, and to create a world that is more just, more peaceful, and more beautiful for all. In the words of the great Zoroastrian prophet, Zarathushtra,
"Let us strive to be good friends, good companions, and good neighbors, that we may create a world that is filled with love, light, and laughter."May the spirit of Mehregan guide us on this noble path, and may our hearts be filled with the warmth, generosity, and kindness that this festival embodies.