Behshid Barkhordar, the Zoroastrian representative in parliament, highlighted in her Sadeh festival message that all people should seek Ahura Mazda’s guidance and embrace righteousness to conquer evil and darkness.
She emphasized that Sadeh is more than just a symbolic celebration—it signifies the triumph of goodness over wickedness and the victory of light over darkness.
The full message from Behshid Barkhordar, recited during the Sadeh ceremonies, is as follows:
Praise be to Ahura Mazda
Greetings to all fellow Zoroastrians and esteemed guests,
Iran is a land of heritage, culture, and wisdom. I firmly believe that Iran is one of the most culturally enriched nations in the world. Every conscious and self-aware Iranian should recognize, take pride in, and reflect upon the significance of festivals—not just as cultural traditions but as vital social occasions with deep strategic and ideological meaning, carefully designed by our enlightened ancestors.
By choosing the 10th of Bahman—midway between winter and spring, when days gradually lengthen, nature awakens, and warmth, fire, and light symbolize hope and renewal—our ancestors demonstrated remarkable wisdom in timekeeping. This moment serves as a reminder for humanity to align with nature, awaken from ignorance, and, with Ahura Mazda’s support, embrace goodness to overcome evil and darkness.
Sadeh, as a major collective occasion, is not merely a symbolic festival but a strategic tradition deeply embedded in our national and cultural identity. It serves multiple essential roles:
Strengthening family and social bonds.
Promoting solidarity, cooperation, and communal harmony.
Creating opportunities for mutual support and assistance.
Despite the vast social and cultural changes throughout history, Sadeh remains a testament to our enduring heritage. It is essential that the present generation preserves this tradition and passes it on to future generations.
Fellow Zoroastrians, scholars, ladies, and gentlemen, we must recognize that Sadeh is not just a festivity—it embodies the triumph of light over darkness and righteousness over evil. It conveys a universal message and that it that there is only one path in life and that is the path of truth and honesty.
Regardless of faith or belief, every human being must choose the path of righteousness to overcome inner struggles and achieve a just and enlightened society.
On this day of radiance and renewal, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings for the Sadeh festival to all attendees, fellow Zoroastrians, Iranians, and people around the world.
May it be so.
Behshid Barkhordar
Zoroastrian Representative in the Islamic Consultative Assembly
