Mehregan Festival Inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage
Significance of Mehregan: Why UNESCO Recognized This Heritage
The ancient Mehregan Festival, a celebration of autumn deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Iran, has received global recognition by being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Intangible Heritage List.
This acknowledgment was achieved jointly by Iran and Tajikistan. It honors Mehregan’s enduring legacy and showcases the shared cultural values and historical bonds across the Persian-speaking world.
Alongside the registration of the “Skill of Making and Playing the Rabab,” the festival was officially recognized during UNESCO’s 19th session in Paraguay, underscoring Mehregan’s cultural and historical significance.
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A Celebration Steeped in Ancient Traditions
Mehregan, also known as Jashn-e Mehr, has its roots in Zoroastrianism—one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. It is celebrated in honor of Mithra (Mehr), the deity of light, friendship, and covenants.
Traditionally, Mehregan takes place on the 16th day of Mehr, the seventh month in the Zoroastrian calendar, aligning closely with the autumnal equinox. This timing symbolizes the end of the harvest season and the start of autumn—a time of gratitude and togetherness.
Throughout history, Mehregan has held immense significance. During the Achaemenid (550–330 BCE) and Sasanian (224–651 CE) periods, it was considered the second most important festival after Nowruz. Grand ceremonies marked the occasion, with community gatherings, offerings, and the spirit of gratitude taking center stage.
The historical importance of these rituals is still reflected in the way Zoroastrian communities celebrate today, maintaining the connection between ancient customs and modern practices.
Today, Zoroastrian communities in Iran, particularly in cities like Yazd and Kerman, continue to uphold its rituals, preserving a cultural bridge to a past spanning millennia.
Rediscovering a Forgotten Ritual
Over the centuries, Mehregan lost some of its grandeur, especially following the Mongol invasion of Iran, which led to a gradual decline in its observance.
However, it has endured, especially among Zoroastrians, rural communities, and the Iranian diaspora. These communities have adapted Mehregan over time, incorporating modern elements while retaining core traditions, which has helped maintain its relevance across generations.
A video of the Tanbur performance during the “Mehregan Festival” held on September 29, 2016, at Tekiyeh Shah Hayas in the village of Jeyhounabad, Sahneh County, in Kermanshah Province.
Celebrations take place in various parts of Iran, including Yazd, Tehran, and regions like Mazandaran and Golestan. The festivities blend Zoroastrian customs with newer influences, reflecting Iran’s diverse cultural history.
Central to the festival is the setting of a Mehregan table, adorned with pomegranates, grapes, marjoram, and a mirror—symbols of nature’s abundance.
Pomegranates symbolize fertility and prosperity, grapes represent the harvest, marjoram is associated with health and well-being, and the mirror signifies reflection and truth.
Families gather around these decorated tables to recite prayers, share traditional drinks like pomegranate juice, and make offerings that reinforce their bond with Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrian belief. The spirit of Mehregan also revolves around sharing: the fortunate give to the less privileged, a tradition that emphasizes communal solidarity and mutual support.
The Road to UNESCO Recognition
The journey to UNESCO recognition was not without challenges. Initially proposed in 2020, the Mehregan nomination faced scrutiny over its continuity in contemporary Iran. Concerns were raised about its waning public observance compared to neighboring Tajikistan, where the tradition has remained vibrant.
The Committee noted that Mehregan, also referred to as Ceremony of Mehrgan (no. 01570), marks the autumn equinox and celebrates gratitude for an abundant harvest. It is practiced by Iranian Zoroastrians and the people of Tajikistan, with customs that include reciting parts of the Zoroastrian holy book, setting a traditional tablecloth, preparing specific dishes, and playing music.
In Tajikistan, the ceremony serves as a social integrator, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. However, UNESCO highlighted that the initial nomination lacked sufficient detail in describing the shared cultural heritage aspect and community involvement.
Iranian and Tajik officials worked diligently to address these concerns by organizing cultural festivals, educational campaigns, and community workshops aimed at revitalizing Mehregan in Iran.
These efforts demonstrated the living nature of the tradition and underscored its importance to both nations’ cultural identities. Ultimately, it was this concerted approach, along with showcasing the rich cultural and historical essence of Mehregan, that led UNESCO to recognize it as an intangible cultural heritage in 2023.
Cultural Significance in Literature and Folklore
Mehregan is not only a festival but also a significant symbol in Persian literature and folklore. It marks the day when Fereydun, a legendary hero in Iranian mythology, defeated Zahak, an evil tyrant, and imprisoned him on Mount Damavand.
This triumph of good over evil resonates with themes of justice and renewal, akin to the spirit of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It is a celebration of balance, the harvest of rewards, and the coming together of communities in shared joy.
Preserving and Promoting Mehregan
With UNESCO’s recognition, there is renewed hope that Mehregan will be celebrated more widely, both within Iran and beyond. This recognition acts as a catalyst for cultural preservation, encouraging initiatives to revive traditional customs.
Cultural enthusiasts and historians are pushing for Mehregan’s inclusion in schools, museums, and public spaces to ensure that younger generations appreciate and understand its significance. Beyond Iran, Zoroastrian communities around the globe, especially in places like the United States, Canada, and Tajikistan, continue to celebrate Mehregan, keeping its rituals alive and meaningful.
The UNESCO acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in all its forms. Mehregan, with its message of unity, gratitude, and community resilience, stands as a timeless testament to Iran’s rich cultural history.
This festival, which once rivaled Nowruz in importance, symbolizes not only the end of the harvest season but also a spiritual harvest—the gathering of goodwill, friendship, and shared cultural identity.
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