The Yazd Zoroastrian Association marked Ferdowsi Day and celebrated the Persian language with a ceremony held at Bozorg-Chami Hall.
The event opened with an Avesta recitation by Ariana Kalantari. Yesna Behshad, the host, then invited Mehrdad Khosraviani, the cultural officer of the association, to deliver a message on behalf of the Yazd Zoroastrian community.
In his address, Mehrdad Khosraviani emphasized the community’s dedication to commemorating the great poet who, through his wisdom and words, preserved Iranian culture and language from the threat of being forgotten.
Dr. Bahman Moradian, the keynote speaker, expressed his gratitude to the association for organizing the event and shared his thoughts on the significance of Ferdowsi and the day dedicated to his memory.
Another speaker, Ahmad Ghazi-Nasab, began by acknowledging the Zoroastrians’ role as guardians of ancestral traditions and paying respects to the departed souls. He then reflected on Ferdowsi’s enduring legacy and his vital place in Iranian cultural heritage.
On this occasion, Mehrdad Khosraviani read passages from the memoir Arbab Keykhosrow Shahrokh, recounting the discovery of Ferdowsi’s tomb and the millennial celebration held in his honor. He also invited members of the Zoroastrian community to participate in a group reading of the book at the Yazd Zoroastrian specialized library, with the date to be announced soon.
The event included a Shahnameh storytelling performance by Esmaeil Sajjadi and Reza Qadakchian. At the conclusion, Kourosh Rashidi, head of the Yazd Zoroastrian Association, presented commemorative gifts to the speakers and storytellers.
Alongside the ceremony, a dedicated workshop for children and teenagers was held, as well as a book exhibition. During the workshop, Golchehr Felfeli read selected excerpts from the Shahnameh to the children.
The Ferdowsi commemoration ceremony was held on the afternoon of Monday, May 12, 2025 (22 Ordibehesht 1404), from 5 to 7 pm in the Bozorg-Chami Hall, Khorshid Hall.
