Autumn Festival

Jashn-e Mehregan is an autumn festival celebrated for six days starting on the sixteenth of Mehr (ninth or tenth day of October). Its origins lie in an ancient ritual dedicated to Mehr or Mitra, God of Light. Mehregan may also be one of the most ancient origins of the thanksgiving harvest ceremonies celebrated in the West. According to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (the Persian calligraphy here), “Feraydun was enthroned and placed the Kayanid crown upon his head, on the first day of the month of Mehr, which falls at the autumnal equinox. The Iranian people rejoiced to see his reign; they lit fires and drank wine and inaugurated a great celebration, and they designated the day as a festival.” This festival has been passed down through the years to the present.