The Sedreh Pushi ceremony for twelve Zoroastrian teenagers was held on the afternoon of Friday, Mehr 18, 1404 (October 10, 2025), at the Rashid Nikbakhsh Hall in the Baghcheh Badaghabad area of Kerman.
Upon arrival, guests were warmly welcomed by Avisa Keyumarsi, Viana Khodadad Kuchaki, and Roshan Rostami, who greeted them with mirrors, rosewater, and sweets. The ceremony officially began at 5:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Gathas by Shakila Shahriari.
During the event, twelve young Zoroastrians received their sacred Sedreh garments, marking their spiritual initiation into the faith. They included Dorsa Kianpour, daughter of Bita Barkhordar and Mehrdad; Airik Khodadad Kuchaki, son of Anahita Kaviani and Babak; Arad Keyoumarsi, son of Mahindokht Keshavarzian and Ardeshir; Shadmehr Rostami, son of Helen Hemmati and Dadfar; Chista Farvahari, daughter of Minoo Mehrabani and Houman; Yasna Homavand, daughter of Shirin Eyshabadi and Kourosh; Pendar Shahriari, son of Neda Bakhtiari and Peyman; Chista Nozari, daughter of Mahnaz Homaei and Afshin; Dariush Nowzari, son of Bahareh Nikbakhsh and Ariana; Tara Rashidi, daughter of Shahrzad Soroushian and Siavash; Karna Keymanesh, daughter of Tania Tahamtani and Hormoz; and Delsa Bakhtiari, daughter of Tila Tahamtani and Mehraban.
The evening celebrated a meaningful step in the lives of these youths as they embraced the teachings and traditions of their ancient faith.
The ceremony continued in three groups of four, accompanied by the Avesta recitation of Mobeds Farhang Falhati, Vishtasb Mobed Shahi, Houman Foruhari, Mehraban Afarin, and Mobedyar Mehrzad Kaviani, who joined the newly initiated navbaste-kushtians. Afterward, Mehrzad Kaviani congratulated the young initiates and welcomed Dr. Behshid Barkhordar, the Zoroastrian representative in the Iranian Parliament.
Host Arshin Bakhtiari spoke about the meaning of Sedreh-Pushi, noting that Tir 6th is now known online as Sedreh Pushi Day. Guests were then offered sherbet and sweets.
Siros Nikbakhsh, head of the Zoroastrian Association of Kerman, expressed appreciation to the teachers of religious classes, the Women’s Organization, and Mandana Rostami and Nahid Nikdin for their contributions. Dr. Barkhordar also congratulated the initiates, shared updates on recent development projects in several cities, and announced an upcoming national gathering of Zoroastrian associations.
Later, gifts were presented to the new initiates by the Women’s Organization (Parvin Ravari), the Kerman Association, and in memory of Mobed Mehran Ghaibi (by Anahita Tahmoursi) and Parvin Amighi (by Azita Nozari). Tahmouresi also offered tokens of thanks to Dr. Barkhordar, Siros Nikbakhsh, Nahid Nikdin, and Mandana Rostami, while the Association honored the officiating mobeds.
The celebration featured a Dari song performed by students led by Armita Farahmand, a group prayer by the new initiates, and the cutting of the ceremonial cake. Dr. Barkhordar and Siros Nikbakhsh then presented an award to Negar Noshadi, winner of the literary competition, and recognized the Shahnameh-reading group led by Mitra Khosravi.
The evening ended on a warm note as guests were served ash, a traditional Persian soup, closing the joyful celebration.
