For centuries, printing has played a vital role in preserving and passing down cultural, religious, and historical heritage. Printing houses such as Rasti became important centers for the publication of valuable religious and cultural works, thanks to the dedication and commitment of learned individuals. Among them was the late Faramarz Khademi Kalantari, remembered as the first typesetter of the Avesta in Iran and a modest yet tireless contributor to this field.
Over the course of more than three decades at Rasti Printing House, Khademi made significant contributions to the preparation and typesetting of the Avesta, Yasna, Yashts, Vendidad, and other sacred Zoroastrian texts. His precision, discipline, and sense of responsibility left a lasting impression not only on the quality of the published works but also on the collegial spirit within the printing house.
The coincidence of the thirtieth day after his passing with the observance of National Printing Industry Day offers an occasion to honor his memory and cultural legacy, while also reflecting on the enduring importance of printing within the Zoroastrian community of Iran. Beyond its role in publishing religious and scholarly texts, printing has been a powerful tool for safeguarding ancestral identity and educating future generations. By highlighting Khademi’s life and efforts, this tribute reaffirms the importance of preserving and nurturing this craft in our own time.
Faramarz Khademi Kalantari, son of Shirin and Rostam, was born in 1938 in the village of Mazraeh-ye Kalantar, Yazd Province. He spent his early years among the fields and farmlands of his hometown and began his education at the local elementary school.
In 1949, seeking both education and a means to support his family, he moved to Tehran. Balancing work with part-time studies, he earned his elementary certificate in 1953. The following year, he joined Rasti Printing House, where he worked as a typesetter until 1992.
Determined to continue his education, he attended evening classes and obtained a diploma in natural sciences in 1965. Despite being offered a position at Bank Saderat in Kerman, he chose to remain devoted to the printing profession. After retiring, he continued his cultural activities until 1998. Following the death of Arbab Keykhosrow Rasti in 2000, he returned to his birthplace and served as Dihmobed (village priest) and Atashban (caretaker of the fire) at the local fire temple. He fulfilled his duties with great dedication, while also tending to the trees of the fire temple and the Pir Rafiabad shrine. He also served two terms on the Village Council and two terms with the Zoroastrian Association of Mazraeh-ye Kalantar.
In 1966, he married his cousin, Mrs. Golrokh Khademi Kalantari. Their marriage was blessed with two sons—Mehraban and Mehran—and three grandchildren: Niloufar, Nima, and Mahtab.
After a lifetime of hard work and meaningful service to his community, he passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025 (4 Amordad 1404). His memory will be honored, his name remembered, and his contributions to printing and Zoroastrian culture cherished for generations to come.
Message from the Rasti Calendar
On Amordad day of Shahrivar month, 3763 Zoroastrian calendar, marking the thirtieth day since the passing of the late Faramarz Khademi Kalantari—remembered as a man of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds—we extend our sympathy and prayers for peace to his family, as well as to all friends and colleagues in the Zoroastrian printing and publishing community. For more than three decades, he dedicated himself at the Rasti Printing House to the typesetting of the Avesta and other sacred Zoroastrian texts.
May his memory inspire others, and may his soul rejoice in the realm of light.
On Mehr day of Shahrivar month, 3763 (September 1, 2025 / 11 Shahrivar 1404), we also mark and celebrate Printing Industry Day and Week.
In remembrance of Faramarz Khademi—the first typesetter of the Avesta in Iran and a devoted colleague at Rasti Printing House—a video of his life story, told in his own words, is shared below.
