All are present here – either on the earth or under. Some are lying under the earth, but more are standing outside; walking and wandering, as though they have lost someone; they look around and as soon as they find a tomb of a family member they stop there, recite Avesta, wash the grave and give prayers for the deceased.
On 19th Farvardin, Farvardingan Day, all Zoroastrian cemeteries become crowded with people. Zoroastrian cemeteries in Tehran, Yazd, Kerman, Shiraz, Ahvaz, Isfahan, etc. are host to those who have come to commemorate their deceased. A please smell fills the air; the smell of incense, frankincense with wild rue, the smell of different types of food that have been put in their special spot in the cemetery.
Farvardingan is also called Farvardag. On this feast seven mobeds sit in front of the ceremonial table. Some mobedyars are also present. The mobeds recite parts of Farvardin Yasht. The mobedyars then tie a wrapper around their waists and start distributing the “lork” (a mix of 7 types of dried fruit) among the people who are attending the ceremony. Whoever has an offering to distribute among the people will do so on this day. The offerings are simple; as simple as dates and halva.
Fruits of the season, like cucumber, oranges and watermelon, plus traditional Zoroastrian dishes, such as komach, sirog, Kerman coffee, are distributed by the families of the deceased, among the participants in the ceremony, who in turn say a few words in remembrance of the deceased.
I close my eyes, and while the burning sun is shining on me I review the philosophy of Farvardingan to myself and why it is called a jashan (festival). “Jashan” comes from the Avestan word “Yazeshn”, meaning praise of God and prayers. Therefore, all special days for Iranians, from Farvardingan right upto Sepandarmazgan, mean worshiping and praying to God.
In Zoroastrian calendar each month has 30 days, and each day has a particular name, 12 of which are also given to the 12 months of the year. Whenever the name of the day is the same as that month’s name, Zoroastrians celebrate that day. “The Farvardingan celebration is also one of the monthly celebrations of Zoroastrians, which is related to” Farvaharan ” and is held for the peace and joy of the souls of the dead.”
I am walking between the tombs. The first tomb dates back to 1935 and the last one belongs to a few days back. This place does not smell death; it smells of life. The fragrant scent of frankincense, the eloquent voice of the mobed, and the voice of people who are constantly moving smell of life, as though the dead are looking for signs of life; signs of joy and vigor; looking for the dynamism of life and for a better future.
