Khordad Sal is celebrated on the sixth day of the Parsi month of Farvardin, to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Spitaman Zarathushtra (Zoroaster), the founder of Zoroastrianism. Since the day of his birth is not precisely known, the fixing of Khordad Sal as his birthday is symbolical. The exact year of his birth is also unknown. It is generally accepted that he was born in the beginning of the first millennium BC. In some old Parsi texts, this auspicious day is mentioned as Navroz-I-Khas, which means 'special new year's day’.
During the festival houses are decorated with fragrant flowers, rangoli adorns the courtyards, children wear new clothes, and delicious meals are prepared in every home. Family members and friends gather together for the event. Jashan, or thanksgiving prayers, are offered to God. A grand feast is prepared to mark the occasion. It is an opportunity for the Parsis to review their lives and actions, and make resolutions for the future.
