Deygan (1st Dey)
Deygan (1st Dey), Dey 1.
Deygan is an ancient Zoroastrian festival observed on the first day of Dey in the Shahanshahi calendar.
The festival holds significance because the name of the day and the month coincide, a feature of the Zoroastrian calendar that marks special occasions.
Deygan is dedicated to the yazata Dey, associated with justice and light, and is observed through gatherings, prayers, and specific rituals that emphasize moral and social values.
Historically, Deygan was celebrated with the lighting of fires, recitation of Avesta texts, and sharing of traditional foods.
Alongside other monthly Zoroastrian festivals such as Mehregan and Sadeh, Deygan held a prominent place in ancient Iranian culture.
The festival also served as an opportunity to strengthen social and family bonds, with people visiting each other and exchanging greetings to express solidarity.
In modern times, Deygan continues to be commemorated by Zoroastrians in Iran and diaspora communities.
The festival represents the continuity of ancient traditions and the preservation of Zoroastrian cultural identity, and is marked each year on Dey 1 with religious ceremonies and family gatherings.