With the coordination of the Narsiabad Zoroastrian Association, the Porseh ceremony of Ohrmazd and Esfand Month was held in remembrance of the recently departed and those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.
The ceremony took place on Ohrmazd day of Esfand Month in the Zoroastrian calendar, corresponding to Thursday, 25th Bahman 1403 (February 14, 2025), from 8:00 AM to noon at Rostam Hall in Narsiabad. Mobed Iraj Dahmoubad led the Avesta recitation and prayers for the departed. During the ceremony, the memories of the late Irandokht Ardeshir Zohour, Sohrab Ardeshir Zandian, Hormazdyar Khodarahm Felfeli (Bandar), Bahram Rostam Felfeli (Fangar), Goshtasb Noushirvan Bahramshahri, and Rostam Jamshid Namiranian were honored. The Porseh ceremony for Shahriyar Goshtasb Kianipour was held separately at his residence.
The Porseh ceremony is attended by families who have lost a loved one in the past year. Zoroastrians observe two Porseh ceremonies annually: the first at the beginning of Tir Month (29 Khordad) in remembrance of those who perished in the Iran-Turan war, and the second at the start of Esfand Month (25 Bahman) in memory of those who fell during the Arab invasion of Iran. These ceremonies also serve as an occasion to honor the deceased of the past year.
During the ceremony, the names of the departed are recited by the Mobed, blending with the sacred Avesta chants. Attendees traditionally take coffee or sugar crystals, and some, particularly Zoroastrian women, bring branches of myrtle and boxwood—symbols of life’s continuity—as well as incense and frankincense, placing them on the Porseh table. Participants offer blessings for the departed souls and extend wishes of health and well-being to the bereaved families.
