The Zoroastrian community of Kerman gathered at Rashid Nikbakhsh Hall to celebrate the birth anniversary of Ashu Zartosht.
According to the Kerman Zoroastrian Youth Commission, the celebration took place on the evening of Wednesday, Farvardin 6, 1404 (March 26, 2025). The event was organized by Haida Bakhtiari and Keyvan Bakhtiari, overseen by Pashootan Mehran, and supported by members of the Youth Commission and the Kerman Zoroastrian community.
The program began at 5:30 PM with a Gatha recitation by Shakila Shahriari. After the national anthem was played, the youth commission members and event organizers, led by Roxana Kiyumarthi and Keyvan Bakhtiari, held a parade, accompanied by a video presentation.
Sirous Nikbakhsh, head of the Kerman Zoroastrian Association, then delivered a speech, extending New Year greetings and honoring the occasion. Following this, a congratulatory message from Behshid Barkhordar, the Zoroastrian representative in Parliament, was read by Omid Shahriari. The event was hosted by veteran speaker Kourosh Zendeh Nush.
A shadow play illustrating the life of Ashu Zartosht was performed under the direction of Sepehr Sirousi, with contributions from talented members of the Youth Commission. Additionally, the head of the Kerman Zoroastrian Association highlighted the achievements of Arya Barzan Gheybi and Omid Shahriari, expressing appreciation for their efforts.
The event concluded with a Zoroastrian recitation related to the Haft-Sin table, performed by young Zoroastrians under the guidance of Armita Farahmand and coordinated by Triti Ziyatabari.
For a brief moment, the calming sound of the cajon (a traditional Zoroastrian instrument) played by a talented musician brought a sense of peace to the audience.
The next part of the celebration featured a graceful dance performance by young Zoroastrian girls, directed by Roxana Kiyoumarthi. This was followed by the screening of a video, created by Aptin Bakhtiari, the head of the commission, which aimed to introduce the commission to the community and encourage fellow Zoroastrians to join in future events and initiatives.
Aria Kaviani then expressed his gratitude to those who had participated in the Danesh-Bonyan program, organized by Esfandiari Ekhtiyari, and presented certificates to the participants as a token of appreciation.
Next, a tribute was paid to the late Mobed Mehrban Firouzgari with a biography video narrated by Mobed Mehrzad Kaviani, honoring his memory.
The event concluded with a final video produced by the organizers, Haida and Keyvan Bakhtiari. The celebration ended with a parade by the organizers, followed by a delicious serving of ash for all attendees.
Thanks to the creativity and dedication of the Youth Commission members and the decoration team, a beautiful and festive Nowruz display was arranged at the entrance of the hall, giving attendees the opportunity to take memorable photos.
The Kerman Zoroastrian Youth Commission would like to recognize the individuals who contributed their time, efforts, and artistic talents to support the success of this initiative. Those acknowledged for their collaboration include:
Roxana Kiyoumarthi, Helena Gashtasian, Helia Gashtasian, Arshia Azari, Roshanak Kiyoumarthi, Chista Farvahari, Parisa Soroushian, Roujan Kaviani, and Pantea Gheybi. Photography was provided by Babak Nikdin. Additionally, six young Zoroastrians, dressed in traditional attire, greeted guests and offered golab (rose water), mirrors, and chocolates during the event. These volunteers were Fardin Falahati, Karna Keymanesh, Artin Zendehnoush, Atrin Kaviani, Delsa Bakhtiari, and Tara Rashidi.
