Zartosht No Diso History

Zartosht no-diso, also known as Zarthost no deeso or Zartusht-no-diso, commemorates the death anniversary of the prophet Zoroaster. This day is marked as one of the most important days of mourning in the Zoroastrian religion. This occasion is observed by all Parsis residing across the globe. The date falls on the 11th day of the tenth month of the Parsi calendar, Dae. As per the Gregorian calendar, this date occurs on the 26th of December. Being an occasion of mourning, the day is characterized by delivering lectures and discussions on the life and works of Zoroaster. Read on further to know about the historical background of Zarthost no deeso.

Historical Background Of Zarthost No Deeso

The founder of Zoroastrianism, Zoroaster is believed to have existed even before Muhammad, Buddha or Jesus walked the earth. His philosophies mainly dealt with good versus evil and the judgment of humans at the end of their life. Numerous religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism are known to have been inspired by these beliefs and thoughts. Many versions have been stated regarding the death of the prophet, Zoroaster. According to one legend, Zoroaster was killed in his 77th year at the altar in a fire temple by the Turanian army during the storming of Balkh, an ancient city and center of Zoroastrianism now in northern Afghanistan. Another legend states that the person killed was not Zoroaster as he ascended the skies by himself.

There are other variations as well to this death. It is said that the murderer too was killed on the spot by divine intervention. Some say Zarathustra was killed by a thunderbolt, while others believe that Zoroaster died while sleeping. Different legends rose after the death of the prophet. He was believed to have founded sacred fires, fought in a sacred war, spread his preaching to many nations and even the nature rejoiced on his birth. He was highly regarded as a philosopher, mathematician, astrologer and magician by the Greeks. As part of the celebration of this occasion, people visit the fire temples where special prayers are recited in remembrance of the death anniversary of Zoroaster. Also, lectures and discussions are organized highlighting the life and works of the holy prophet.