Thread by @KiranKS

Persians might have converted to Islam, but many Iranians have kept a lot of their pre-Islamic #Zoroastrian culture and traditions alive.

I read one such refreshing story today on Quora.

Sharing some details here in the thread below.

1) Iranians were mostly of Zoroastrianism religion before the conquest of Islam. Yes, they are mostly Shia Muslims today, but they know about Zoroastrian Ahura Mazda sacred book, and Rasti - Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.
Some might be even wearing The #Faravahar pendant.

2) Iranians even today celebrate their traditional #Zoroastrian new Year Novruz at Pasargad (Tomb of Cyrus The Great). Keep in mind in 2020, #Novruz was just 5 days before the Hindu Near Year festival of Yugadi! Similar calendars.

Even Persian Tajik women celebrate similarly.

3) Iranians celebrate Sizdah Bedar also known as Nature's Day, held annually on the thirteenth day of #Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar.

People spend time picnicking outdoors. Another #Zoroastrian cultural continuation of 1000s of years.

4) Iranians celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire purification ritual right from #Zoroastrian times. At sunset, after making bonfires, they jump over the flames, singing sorxi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to, meaning your redness mine, my paleness yours!

Sankranti, Bhogi etc.?

5) Iranians celebrate #Tirgan, a mid summer ancient Persian festival.

They splash water, dance, colour, recite poetry and serve traditional foods.

Did anyone say Holi hain? 😍

6) Iranians celebrate #Sepandarmazgan, an ancient day of love festival, which has #Zoroastrian roots dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire.

It is like the Iranian version of #ValentinesDay

7) Iranians celebrate Shab-e Yalda, a festival celebrated on the longest and darkest night of the year, for winter solstice.

The list is long.. It is very interesting to know how much of their pre Islamic #Zoroastrian culture that Iranians still follow!