Mehregan, Mehr 16. This festival is one of the most significant ancient Iranian celebrations, rooted in pre-Islamic times and dedicated to the divinity Mithra. In the Shahanshahi calendar, Mehregan is observed annually on this date, marked by distinctive rituals and traditions. Historically, Mehregan was celebrated as a thanksgiving for the harvest and the arrival of autumn. Alongside Nowruz, it held a prominent place in Iranian culture and is frequently mentioned in historical texts and Persian literature. On this day, people would wear new clothes, prepare special foods, and gather with family and friends to mark the occasion. During various historical periods, especially under the Sasanian dynasty and later, Mehregan included official ceremonies at the royal court as well as among the general population. Today, Mehregan continues to be observed by some Iranian communities and Zoroastrians, serving as a reminder of Iran’s ancient cultural and historical heritage.
