Zartosht No-Diso

Zartosht no-diso, or Zarthost no deeso, is an important day of mourning in the Zoroastrian religion. It is a commemoration of the death anniversary of the prophet Zoraster. It is observed on the 11th day (Khorshed) of the 10th month (Dae). In the seasonal calendar, Zarthost No-Diso falls on December 26.

It is an occasion of mourning with lectures and discussions held on the life and works of the prophet. Special prayers are recited, and attendance at the fire temple is very high. A much higher number of mobeds are brought to pray at the Atash Behrams and Atash Adarans.

However, Zoroaster’s death is not mentioned in the Avesta. Nonetheless, in the Shahnama 5.92,[1] he is said to have been murdered at the altar by the Turanians in the storming of Balkh.

References

  1. Williams Jackson 1899, pp. 130–131.